'Hong Kong independence' will lead nowhere, premier warns

The notion of "Hong Kong independence" will lead nowhere, Premier Li Keqiang said as he delivered the Government Work Report on Sunday.

Li, who presented the report at the annual session of the top legislature, the National People's Congress, pledged to fully implement the "one country, two systems" principle in the special administrative region.

The central government will continue to implement, both to the letter and in spirit, the principle of "one country, two systems", under which the people of Hong Kong govern Hong Kong, the people of Macao govern Macao, and both regions enjoy a high degree of autonomy, he said.

"We will continue to act in strict compliance with the Constitution and the basic laws of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, and we will ensure that the principle of 'one country, two systems' is steadfastly applied in Hong Kong and Macao without being bent or distorted," he said.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

Li pledged full support for chief executives and governments of the two regions in exercising law-based governance, growing their economies, improving people's well-being, advancing democracy and promoting social harmony.

Efforts will be made to push forward cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao, he said.

The premier said the central government will draw up a plan for the development of a city cluster in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, give full play to the distinctive strengths of Hong Kong and Macao, and elevate their positions and roles in China's economic development and opening-up.

"We have always had full confidence about ensuring lasting prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao," he said.

(China Daily 03/06/2017 page5)