Li appoints Lam as HK chief executive

Premier says election win clearly shows public's confidence in her to lead SAR

Premier Li Keqiang signed an administrative order on Friday appointing Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor as the fifth chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The SAR's chief executive election was conducted in accordance with the Basic Law, the decisions of the National People's Congress Standing Committee and the election laws of Hong Kong, Li said at a full State Council meeting in Beijing on Friday.

Lam won the election on Sunday with 777 of 1,163 valid votes, showing the Hong Kong public's wide recognition of, trust in and expectations from Lam, Li said.

She will take the oath of office on July 1.

According to the Basic Law, the chief executive is the head of the Hong Kong SAR government, carrying great responsibilities.

The central government will continue to fully implement the principle of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" with a high degree of autonomy, Li said.

The central government will act strictly in line with the Constitution and the Basic Law, to ensure that the implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" will never be bent or distorted, he added.

Premier Li pledged to fully support the chief executive and the Hong Kong SAR government to govern in line with the laws, develop the economy and improve the people's livelihoods.

The State Council supports the cooperation between Hong Kong and the mainland, Li said, adding that the central government plans to make use of Hong Kong's strengths to raise the status of the SAR in the country's economic development and opening-up.

Li said he believes that after Lam becomes chief executive, she will definitely unite the Hong Kong SAR government and Hong Kong people from all walks of life to make practical progress, maintain the long-term prosperity and stability in the SAR and secure a better future.

The Government Work Report, which Li delivered to deputies of the National People's Congress on March 5, noted that the chief executives and governments of Hong Kong and Macao have the central government's full support in "exercising law-based governance, growing their economies, improving people's well-being, advancing democracy and promoting social harmony".