Xi warns Hong Kong protesters over sovereignty 'red line'

Xi's stern warning came at a gathering to mark 20 years of Chinese rule in Hong Kong and swearing-in of pro-Beijing new Chief Executive Carry Lam and her cabinet.

"Any attempt to endanger national sovereignty and security, challenge the power of the central government and the authority of the Basic Law of the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administration Region) or use Hong Kong to carry out infiltration and sabotage activities against the mainland is an act that crosses the red line, and is absolutely impermissible," Xi said. Xi arrived here on a three-day visit on June 29 amid an unprecedented security to keep the protesters at bay. It was Xi's first visit to the city since he took power in 2013, and came amid fears by some Hong Kongers of increasing Chinese encroachment on the city's autonomy -- guaranteed under a framework known as "one country, two systems".

Hong Kong has been simmering for the past few years with massive demonstrations, including prolonged "occupy protests" against China screening candidates to contest elections.

Sounding exasperated over the recurring protests, Xi said people in Hong Kong was freer than ever. "The people of Hong Kong, now masters of their own house, run their local affairs within the purview of autonomy of the HKSAR," he was quoted as saying by China's state-run Xinhua news agency. Several pro-democracy groups protested against Xi's visit and scuffled with pro-China organisations and police. Scores of them were arrested. Xi stressed the importance of having a correct understanding of the relationship between "one country" and "two systems", saying that the system was advanced to realise and uphold national unity.

"In conducting day-to-day affairs, we must be guided by a strong sense of 'one country,' firmly observe the principle of 'one country,' and thus correctly handle the relationship between the HKSAR and the central government," he said.