Here are the takeaways from the press conference:

On one country, two systems

Shen confirmed that implementing one country, two systems – under which Hong Kong and Macau became part of China but retained certain freedoms – was a key discussion item at the meeting, whose agenda was focused on enhancing the Communist Party’s governance.

“Ruling Hong Kong and Macau under the one country, two systems policy is a key component of the governance system of our country and it was an important item for discussion at the plenum,” Shen said.

The meeting had formulated “specific tasks and arrangements” concerning one country, two systems, Shen said, emphasising that the success of the concept in Hong Kong must closely follow the principles of “high degree of autonomy” and “Hong Kong governed by Hong Kong people”.

But he added: “We must uphold the principle that ‘one country’ is the top priority and the foundation for the implementation of ‘two systems’, and ‘two systems’ must belong to and come under ‘one country’ and be unified within ‘one country’.”

On Beijing’s authority over its special administrative regions (SAR)

Shen said Beijing had authority over the SARs of Hong Kong and Macau, especially over appointment of principal officials and the interpretation of each SAR’s Basic Law.

“The plenum has made the decision that we must enhance the system and mechanism over the appointment of the chief executive and principal officials in the special administrative regions, and the system over the interpretation of the Basic Law by the National People’s Congress, enabling the central government to exercise its authority as stipulated in the constitution and the Basic Law,” he said.

On national security

Shen said the meeting had decided the SARs must strengthen their law enforcement capabilities.

“[We will] establish a sound legal system and enforcement mechanism for the safeguarding of national security in the special administrative regions, and support the special administrative regions in strengthening law enforcement,” he said.

On stepping up ‘patriotic education’

Shen stressed the importance of stepping up so-called patriotic education in Hong Kong and Macau, especially among civil servants and young people.

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“[We will] strengthen national education of Hong Kong and Macau people, especially civil servants and youth, including education of the constitution and the Basic Law, Chinese history and culture, in order to boost their national consciousness and patriotic spirit,” he said.

On integration with China’s economy

Shen reiterated that Beijing would continue to support Hong Kong and Macau to play a role in China’s economic development, especially in the Greater Bay Area.

“[We] support Hong Kong and Macau to develop their economy and improve people’s livelihood, and make greater efforts in resolving deep-rooted problems that affect social stability and long-term development,” he said.

On China’s broader economy

“SOEs don’t have a natural advantage; in a market system there has to be a ‘winner takes all’, it’s the same in China as it is overseas,” he said.

“China will allow more foreign capital to invest in industries including manufacturing, service, agriculture, finance, telecom, education and medical sectors,” Han said, pledging that China’s economy would continue to open up – a demand from Washington, with US President Donald Trump accusing China of unfair market competition with strict controls on foreign investment.

“We will allow more foreign capital holding, or sole proprietorship for foreign companies,” Han said.

Additional reporting by Teddy Ng and Albert Han