Fears that Beijing is tightening grip on Hong Kong 'unnecessary': Li Keqiang
Leader reaffirms 'one country, two systems' model, saying policy 'cannot be changed at will'
Premier Li Keqiang has dismissed as "unnecessary" worries that Beijing is tightening control over Hong Kong, telling journalists that the policy towards the city "cannot be changed at will".
He added that the central government was committed to the consistent and full implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle.
But Li sidestepped Hong Kong electoral reforms and did not mention the Occupy protests when he took a question from a Hong Kong reporter about Beijing's treatment of the city at yesterday's press conference after the closing of the annual National People's Congress session.
Li said: "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 [special administrative] regions enjoying a high degree of autonomy.
"Some people are worried the central government is tightening its policy towards Hong Kong. I believe such worry is not necessary."
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In what was seen as an unusual move, Li stressed that Beijing would strictly comply with the Chinese constitution and the city's Basic Law when he delivered his annual work report at the start of the NPC meetings earlier this month.
