Govt pledges to support HK, Macao's autonomy, prosperity

The central government pledged to faithfully implement the policy of "one country, two systems" with a high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong and Macao SARs and to support the two cities in growing their economies and improving the lives of their residents and maintaining long-term prosperity and stability in the two regions, said Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday.

Li made the remarks when delivering his last Government Work Report at the opening meeting of the first session the 14th National People's Congress held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Li said the central government will remain committed to law-based governance in Hong Kong and Macao and ensure that constitutional order in the two regions is upheld as stipulated in the nation's Constitution and the basic laws of the two regions and that Hong Kong and Macao are administered by patriots.

Reflecting on past work, Li said the central government had made fresh progress in work related to Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.

For example, the central government exercised effective overall jurisdiction over the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao in accordance with the nation's Constitution and the basic laws of the two regions, formulated and put into effect the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and applied the principle that Hong Kong and Macao should be administered by patriots.

The National Security Law for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region came into effect on June 30, 2020.

The central government has ensured that Hong Kong has entered a new stage in which it has restored order and is set to thrive, promoted the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and supported Hong Kong and Macao in developing their economies, improving living standards, responding to COVID-19, and maintaining stability, Li said.

Also, the central government has implemented the Party's overall policy for the new era on resolving the Taiwan question and resolutely fought against separatism and countered interference, pledging to continue efforts to promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, Li added.

On behalf of the State Council, Li also expressed heartfelt appreciation to fellow countrymen and women in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, Taiwan, and overseas.