However brief it may have been, the section on Hong Kong in Premier Li Keqiang’s (李克強) annual work report to the state legislature has been taken as an indicator of Beijing’s latest stance towards the city. What set this year’s document apart from previous ones is a reference to the so-called independence movement. For the first time, Li made clear that the notion of Hong Kong independence would lead nowhere. While the rhetoric may seem mild compared to that targeting Taiwan’s independence supporters, it shows that Beijing is alert to the threat, prepared to deal with it according to the law and, if needed, China’s constitution.

This is a politically sensitive year for China. Internally, a new leadership will emerge following the Communist Party’s 19th congress this autumn. Externally, the Donald Trump factor and uncertainties over Brexit as well as a few upcoming European elections threaten global economic stability. Given it is customary for China to be wary in times of change, the reference to Hong Kong independence in the report suggests that it is seen as a risk from Beijing’s perspective.

That the issue has been raised at this stage may baffle some local observers. After all, the movement lost steam after the local government made a controversial attempt to disqualify a few pro-independence lawmakers for not taking their oaths of office properly. Be that as it may, Beijing sees it as a matter of principle. As Zhang Dejiang (張德江), chairman of the National People’s Congress, told local deputies behind closed doors yesterday, some Hong Kong lawmakers had already crossed the line and Beijing would not hesitate to take action, such as interpreting the Basic Law – the city’s mini-constitution – to keep independence advocates out of the legislature. Beijing has made its stance clear: sovereignty and territorial integrity are not to be compromised.