Beijing fully endorses Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung’s work, says Li Keqiang
Premier also praises outgoing leader for being ‘proactive and pragmatic’, and says the city’s economy is in strong shape
Premier Li Keqiang has lauded outgoing Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying for being “proactive and pragmatic”, saying that the city’s economy was still in strong shape amid the global instability.
Speaking three months before the election for Leung’s successor, Li said that the central government “fully endorsed” Leung’s work while insisting that Beijing would act “in strict accordance with China’s constitution and the Basic Law”.
During the meeting with Leung, who was on his final duty visit to the capital on Friday, Li also called on Hong Kong to participate in the country’s latest five-year plan as well as the “One Belt, One Road” initiative.
“Under your leadership, the SAR government has been proactive and pragmatic in developing the economy and improving people’s livelihood,” the premier said, making no mention of Leung’s shock decision not to seek a second term.
“The central government fully endorses your work as well as the SAR government’s work,” Li said. “The central government will continue to steadfastly uphold the ‘one country, two systems’, ‘Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong’ and ‘high degree of autonomy’ principles.”
Highlighting Hong Kong’s economic success, Li said: “Amid unfavourable external environments and growing uncertainties of international economic and financial markets, Hong Kong has maintained a stable economic growth and a relatively low unemployment rate, as well as pushed for entrepreneurship and innovation.”
The city, he added, “has taken the initiative to cooperate with the country’s development strategies”.
Hong Kong and Macau will be separately included in the 13th five-year plan that will last until 2020.
“We believe that under the central government’s support, the SAR government has the capability – and Hong Kong residents the wisdom – to seize the opportunities of the motherland’s development,” Li said.
In response, Leung told the premier that in the past year, Hong Kong had “achieved some results” towards developing the economy and improving people’s livelihoods.
“Hong Kong’s economy has grown mildly, with the employment rate reaching a new high and home prices stabilising,” Leung said, who was sitting on the side of a long table with Li seated at the head.
