Document: HK makes strides in democracy

To develop and improve Hong Kong's democratic system is to enable Hong Kong residents to better exercise their democratic rights and ensure steady progress in the implementation of "one country, two systems", it said.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Monday that the SAR government fully welcomes the newly published white paper on Hong Kong's democracy, calling the release a timely move after the Legislative Council election.

Noting that the election was the first Legislative Council election after the electoral revamp, Lam said she foresaw criticism and allegations against the election in the near future.

"The best way to refute these allegations is to look back at the history," said Lam, adding that the facts are much more powerful than imagination and allegations, and the white paper provides a full account of the history and facts.

She also encouraged Hong Kong citizens, especially young people and students, to read it carefully to improve their understanding of the democratic development of the SAR.