White paper points way for HK democracy

The document, issued on Monday by the State Council Information Office, introduces the development of the democratic system in the Hong Kong SAR, as well as its future direction.

Liu said the white paper is of vital importance to Hong Kong's future development as it highlights major problems concerning Hong Kong's democratic system, refutes anti-China forces' unfounded allegations on the issue and boosts Hong Kong society's confidence in the future development of democracy.

Liu stressed that the Communist Party of China and the central government have continued to promote and advance Hong Kong's democratic system, despite repeated obstructions from anti-China forces.

"The facts have repeatedly shown that progress toward democracy has stalled in Hong Kong because of the local agitators and the external groups behind them," he said.

In developing democracy with Hong Kong features, the SAR must uphold the leadership of the central authorities and make steady progress in accordance with the law, Liu said.

The city also needs to give greater priority to the task of safeguarding national security, and minimize related threats and risks, he added.

It's also important to implement the executive-led political system, ensure balanced political participation, and boost economic development by further integrating it into national development, Liu said.

He added that the Legislative Council election on Sunday fully proved that the electoral system improved by the central government is effective, adding that the Legislative Council has taken on a fresh look with the diversity of its newly elected members.

"The central government's measures helped Hong Kong achieve the major transformation from chaos to stability and brought Hong Kong's democracy back on track," Liu said.