Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday said Beijing would continue implementing the principle of patriots administering the Hong Kong and Macau SARs.

Delivering his first work report at the opening meeting of the second annual session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), Premier Li said the central government supports the participation of the two cities in the development of the Greater Bay Area.

“We will continue to fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the policy of One Country, Two Systems, under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong, and the people of Macau administer Macau, with a high degree of autonomy; remain committed to the law-based governance in Hong Kong and Macau; and ensure that Hong Kong and Macau are administered by patriots,” he said.

“We support Hong Kong and Macau in growing their economies, improving the lives of their people, and participating in China’s overall development and maintaining long-term prosperity and stability.”

But the report did not mention Basic Law Article 23 national security legislation.

Meanwhile, Premier Li said China would resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" and promote the peaceful development of cross-strait ties.

"We will implement our party's overall policy for the new era on resolving the Taiwan question... and resolutely oppose separatist activists of 'Taiwan independence'," Li said.

On foreign affairs, he said Beijing is committed to an independent foreign policy, the path of peaceful development and a "win-win" strategy of opening-up.