Premier dismisses fears that Beijing wants to curb Hong Kong’s autonomy
Government is committed to the principle of one country, two systems, Li Keqiang tells reporters
Premier Li Keqiang has dismissed fears that Beijing will tighten its control over Hong Kong, saying it will strengthen its support for the Special Administrative Region and that it fully backs the city’s government and its chief executive.
Li, however, sidestepped questions about the lingering dispute over Hong Kong electoral reforms and the election of future chief executives that led to huge pro-democracy protests last year.
“It is the basic state policy of the Chinese government to adhere to the principles of one country two systems, Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong, Macau people governing Macau, and both regions enjoy a high degree of autonomy,” Li said at a press conference at the end of the National People’s Congress in Beijing.
“Some people are worried whether the central government is tightening its policy towards Hong Kong. I believe such worries are not necessary.
“The principles have been written in the constitution and the Basic Law. They form the constitutional basis of [Hong Kong]’” he said.
“The one country, two systems principle reflects the will of the country and the people and cannot be changed at will.”
