Hong Kong, Macao urged to make new progress

Zhao Leji, a senior Chinese leader, called on Tuesday for the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions to better integrate themselves into China's overall development, resolutely implement the policy of "one country, two systems" and strive to make further progress on their development and prosperity.

Zhao, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remark when participating in separate discussions with deputies from Hong Kong and Macao at the first session of the 14th National People's Congress.

Over the past five years, a series of breakthroughs were made in implementing "one country, two systems", and Hong Kong and Macao have both maintained good momentum in long-term stability and development, Zhao said.

He pledged the CPC Central Committee's support for Hong Kong in giving play to its unique strengths and consolidating its international position in finance, shipping and trade, as well as its support for Macao in appropriately diversifying its economy and promoting the construction of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, an island in Zhuhai, Guangdong province.

Zhao urged national legislators from Hong Kong and Macao to fulfill their duties and responsibilities, support the chief executives and governments of the two SARs in exercising law-based administration, and take the lead in maintaining constitutional order in Hong Kong and Macao as stipulated in China's Constitution and the SARs' basic laws.

He also called on the deputies to inspire more people in Hong Kong and Macao to love the country and the regions.

Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang, who are members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, also joined panel discussions with their fellow NPC deputies on Tuesday.

While attending a deliberation with his fellow deputies from Qinghai province, Cai called for efforts to improve the conservation of the ecosystem on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, in a move to contribute to Chinese modernization.

In discussions with his fellow deputies from Liaoning province, Ding said it is important that the gains of modernization benefit all people in a fairer way so that their sense of gain, happiness and security will continue to be enhanced.