Xi pushes 'one China' idea

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned Hong Kong and Macau yesterday to remember they are part of "one China", as pro-democracy campaigners in both semi-autonomous territories call for free leadership elections.
Dozens of protesters marched through Macau's historic centre yesterday afternoon as Xi wrapped up his two-day visit, just days after police cleared the last remaining protest sites in neighbouring Hong Kong.
Xi yesterday warned both territories against a "misguided approach".
"We must both adhere to the 'one China' principle and respect the difference of the two systems," Xi said at the inauguration of Macau's chief executive Fernando Chui, who was selected for a second term by a pro-Beijing committee in August.
"At no time should we focus only on one side to the neglect of the other. This is the only way leading to sound and steady progress. Otherwise a misguided approach from the beginning, just like putting one's left foot into the right shoe, would lead us to nowhere," Xi said.
Security has been tight during the trip with reporters on the airport tarmac waiting for Xi's arrival Friday not allowed to hold umbrellas and handed raincoats instead.
Both Macau and Hong Kong enjoy freedoms unseen on the mainland -- but their leaders are selected by a loyalist committee.
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