Placards support the police and government at a rally opposing the "Occupy Central" movement in Hong Kong's Mong Kok district on October 23, 2014. One placard reads: "No rule of law, no future. Hong Kong needs rule of law, and residents support police.[Photo/Provided to China Daily]

H|Hong Kong

2014 was an eventful year for Hong Kong. The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program kicked off trading. Guangdong and Hong Kong liberalized their service trade, and the Guangdong free trade zone (FTZ) was approved.

Meanwhile, the illegal "occupy" protest movement negatively impacted Hong Kong's development and reform to its political system, according to Chinese leaders. Differences of opinion between people from the mainland and Hong Kong have surged.

I|Innovation

Innovation is an engine to China's development, and reform an ignitor to the engine. As the economy enters a "new normal", and growth slows, China's economy will rely more on innovation to drive its growth.

J|Jobs

The number of jobs forecast to be created this year will be revealed at the annual legislative session. In the past two years, despite an economic slowdown, the number of newly-created jobs has increased steadily.

China is promoting employment through encouraging business start-ups, cutting red tape and delegating power to lower-level governments.