Update | Xi Jinping pledges support for Hong Kong's efforts to safeguard rule of law
At their first meeting since start of the Occupy protests, president tells C.Y. Leung democratic reform must be done within terms of Basic Law
The central government will "resolutely support" the Hong Kong government's efforts to safeguard the city's rule of law which is the cornerstone of its future, President Xi Jinping told visiting Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying at their first meeting since the Occupy protests began.
Xi said China was committed to the city's democratic reform but stressed it must be done within the framework of the Basic Law - the city's mini-constitution.
He reiterated the need for Hong Kong people "to fully and accurately" understand the "one country, two systems" principle.
"The rule of law is a key foundation for Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity … The central government will stay committed to the 'one country, two systems' principle and the Basic Law. We will firmly support Hong Kong to develop democracy in line with law and its endeavour to maintain its long-term stability," Xi said.
Xi called on "all sectors in Hong Kong, under the leadership of Leung and the SAR government", to "seize the historic opportunity to realise universal suffrage according to [the Basic] Law", Xinhua reported.
Leung also said the central government would "soon" announce a through-train scheme to allow cross-trading of stocks in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
"Rule of law" is Xi's latest catchphrase and the central theme of the latest policy blueprint endorsed by the Communist Party. Xi reportedly told Leung that the blueprint mentioned the importance of safeguarding "one country, two systems".
A source close to the Hong Kong government said Xi cited a line from an ancient poem - "strong winds reveal the strength of sturdy grass" - as praise for Leung's loyalty and resilience in handling the Occupy protests and Beijing's firmest support yet for the chief executive.
The poem, said to be written by Emperor Taizong during the Tang dynasty, was often cited by emperors to praise loyal ministers in times of adversity. The line is followed by "turmoils test the loyalty of a good minister".
Leung said he told Xi that the Occupy protests had seriously disrupted the city's social order and shaken its rule of law, but that the Hong Kong government could handle the protests by itself and in accordance with the law.
Xi offered full support for Leung's efforts to maintain "social order".
The chief executive later said that Xi had expressed approval of his administration's recent performance, although Xi did not make such a reference in the opening remarks of the meeting, which was open to media.
Leung did not give an exact date for the through train but said the president "responded positively" to his request to start the scheme as early as possible.
The scheme would allow investors to conduct cross-border share trading up to a quota of 550 billion yuan (HK$700 billion). Leung said rule of law and social order were important conditions for implementing the scheme.
China watcher Johnny Lau Yui-siu said Beijing's attempt to link implementation of the through-train scheme with the city's social order would exert more pressure on Occupy protesters and strengthen public opposition to the movement.
Lau also believed Xi had implied that the political reform framework set by the National People's Congress could not be changed.
"The decision made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress is also law. Beijing's stance is clear - the blueprint is inalterable," he said.
The Federation of Students disagreed with Leung's claims and said it was his administration that was undermining the rule of law and social order.
Secretary general Alex Chow Yong-kang said: "Hongkongers understand these are little tricks by … Leung Chun-ying. He is not focusing on the most immediate issues and is instead diverting attention to other topics."
