Premier Li Keqiang stressed the need to maintain One Country, Two Systems and boost Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability in his government work report

He said the national security law and the policy of patriots governing Hong Kong helped to restore order in the SAR.

"We should fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the policy of One Country, Two Systems under which the people of Hong Kong administering Hong Kong and Macau people administering Macau, both with a high degree of autonomy," Li said.

"We should support Hong Kong and Macau in growing their economies, improve the lives of people and maintain long-term prosperity and stability of the two regions."

Chief Executive John Lee, who attended the opening session of the National People's Congress in Beijing, said he felt encouraged by the premier’s speech, saying his administration will steadfastly uphold One Country, Two Systems and implement the principle of patriots administering Hong Kong.

In a statement, he added that the SAR will grasp various development opportunities, such as the 14th Five Year Plan as well as the Greater Bay Area and Belt and Road initiatives, to further incorporate the city into the national development blueprint.

Henry Tang, a Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Standing Committee member, said the premier's emphasis on One Country, Two Systems set the tone for the city's development.

"Once again, he has mentioned their insistence of supporting One Country, Two Systems, and the prosperity and the development of Hong Kong," Tang said.

"We will work together with the government very closely on Hong Kong becoming a major exchange between mainland and international [community] on cultural issues."

On Taiwan, Li said the central government will take resolute steps to oppose Taiwan independence and advance China's peaceful reunification.

He said efforts have been made to resolutely fight separatism and interference, and to further promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations.
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Last updated: 2023-03-05 HKT 15:51