Premier Li Keqiang said today that the central government will “resolutely guard against and deter external forces’ interference in the affairs of Hong Kong and Macau”.
The state leader made the remarks at the opening of the annual plenary session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing, adding the central government will “stay true to the letter and spirit of the principle of 'One Country Two Systems'”.
He said Hong Kong and Macau people will continue to rule their special administrative regions (SARs) with a high degree of autonomy.
The premier added that Beijing will “improve” the systems of Hong Kong and Macau for enforcing the nation's Constitution and the Basic Laws of the two SARs, and ensure laws are implemented and enforced to safeguard national security in the two cities.
A draft decision on improving the electoral system of Hong Kong was submitted to the NPC yesterday for discussion.
Li, meanwhile, said the central government will support the economic growth of Hong Kong and Macau.
On Taiwan, the premier said Beijing was committed to the one-China principle and the 1992 cross-strait consensus (that there is only one China in the world), adding that Beijing will “remain highly vigilant against and resolutely deter any separatist activist seeking ‘Taiwan independence’”.
– RTHK, Xinhua, MPD
