On Friday, President Xi Jinping visited Hong Kong to celebrate its 25th anniversary since it was returned to China, stating the city has achieved "true democracy".
The former British colony has now reached the halfway mark in the 50-year agreement of "one country, two systems," which granted the city "a high degree of autonomy".
However, China has been criticized for tightening its grip on Hong Kong and passing legislation that suppress dissent and free expression.
In 2020, China introduced a controversial national security law that has severely restricted free speech and dissent in Hong Kong.
China's recent electoral reforms to ensure only "patriots" may run for office in Hong Kong have also been heavily criticized.
But the President defended this move, stating that it was "essential for safeguarding the long-term stability and security of Hong Kong".
"No people in any country or region in the world would ever allow political power to fall into the hands of forces or individuals who do not love, or would even sell out or betray, their own country,"
- Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China
At Friday's event, John Lee, a former security officer known for his pro-Beijing views, was formally appointed as the next chief executive of Hong Kong by President Xi.
