Where does Hong Kong stand in Li Keqiang's speech?
Frank Ching says any disagreements over Hong Kong are unlikely to hurt relations between China and Britain, judging by their words
When Premier Li Keqiang delivered his maiden report last year on the work of the government, he pledged to "unswervingly implement" the principles of "one country, two systems" and maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.
Long-time observers noticed Li had left out words that had always been used in the preceding decade. These were that Hong Kong enjoyed a "high degree of autonomy", with "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong". This led to speculation as to whether Beijing's policy towards Hong Kong had changed.
Last week, Li delivered the latest government work report and, this time, he affirmed all three principles.
He went on to say that Beijing would give its full support to the chief executive and the Hong Kong government. This signalled that Leung Chun-ying enjoys Beijing's full confidence as a result of his handling of the Occupy Central campaign, regardless of his lack of popularity in Hong Kong.