Update | Everyone will have to ‘foot the bill’ if Hong Kong becomes chaotic, warns Zhang Dejiang
In speech to 300 representatives of the city, state leader reiterates Beijing’s commitment to Basic Law and one country, two systems
Visiting state leader Zhang Dejiang warned everyone would have to pay the price if Hong Kong became chaotic, in a 20-minute speech to more than 220 representatives from various sectors at the government headquarters this morning.
“We are all in the same boat. If Hong Kong does well, everyone would benefit. If Hong Kong becomes chaotic, everyone has to ‘mai dan’,” said Zhang, using the Cantonese term for footing the bill.
The state leader, who chairs the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, called on Hongkongers to support Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his administration, stressing they were elected in accordance with the Basic Law and appointed by the central government.
Zhang said the effective functioning of the SAR government was important for the stability and economic development of the city, as well as the improvement of the people’s livelihood.
In the interest of the country, in the interest of Hong Kong ... we must stick to the one country, two systems principle, we must stick to the Basic Law.
He stated that Hong Kong must focus on developing its economy, as that was the reason the city was well known. The state leader added that Hong Kong’s economic success was due to its access to the large mainland market.