‘A painful lesson’: Xi emphasises new era of stability for Hong Kong

Analysis: Chinese president talks of patriotism and prosperity but need for foreign investment could be an issue

In his first trip outside mainland China since the Covid pandemic began, President Xi Jinping declared a new era for Hong Kong, which, in his words had risen from the ashes". New priorities have been set for a city that until two years ago was engulfed in street protests: political loyalty, social stability and economic development.

Xi praised the one country, two systems" policy, and said there was no reason to change it, and it must be upheld for the long term". But, perhaps unsurprisingly, his speech, as well as one by new chief executive, John Lee, overwhelmingly emphasised Hong Kong's convergence with Beijing rather than its divergence.