China is set to give Hong Kong two giant pandas as a memorial gift in view of the 27th anniversary of the handover on Monday, as announced by John Lee- the city leader.
The giant pandas are expected in Hong Kong soon thereby marking a significant milestone since Britain ceded control over it in 1997. It was guaranteed high levels of autonomy and certain rights when it was handed over from United Kingdom to China under the principle of “One country, two systems.”
John Lee statedthat this move “fully reflects (the) concern and support for our city” and is “a constitutional obligation and historical mission.” He also applauded Article 23 which is locally enacted security law concurrent with Beijing’s national security law implemented last year.
Lee claimed that my policies have contributed to a “sharp increase in recorded property transactions and a stable real estate market.” In addition, he said it could be possible for the city’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to exceed last year’s growth rate of 3.3% possibly standing at between 2.5%and 3.5%.
In the past, July 1st has always seen mass demonstrations throughout Hong Kong but these pro-democracy protests were stopped by police who sometimes used violent means. According to South China Morning Post, more than four thousand policemen had been deployed all over the city during that day alone.
