Xi Jinping backs Hong Kong chief executive Leung Chun-ying in Beijing
President-to-be backs HK leader and says key is to accurately implement 'one country two systems' and respect Basic Law
Party leader Xi Jinping gave his backing to embattled Leung Chun-ying yesterday as the chief executive made his first duty visit to Beijing.
Accompanied by all the major present and future officials in charge of Hong Kong affairs, Xi told Leung his administration was "progressive, striving, pragmatic and promising".
He said: "You have a heavy workload and it is exhausting. The central government affirm your work and will continue to firmly support [the SAR government] to rule in accordance with the law.
"I can tell you all here that the central government's ruling policy of Hong Kong and Macau has remained unchanged," he said, referring to concerns over whether the recent party leadership reshuffle might affect the policy.
"The key is to comprehensively and accurately understand and implement the one country, two systems as well as respect and safeguard the Basic Law."
The meeting on Leung's first day in Beijing came amid mounting calls in Hong Kong for him to step down, with pan-democratic lawmakers agreeing to jointly table an impeachment motion.
It also offered clues to the new line-up of mainland leaders who will sit in a leading group on Hong Kong and Macau affairs.