Xi Jinping tells Hong Kong to stick to Basic Law on reform
City bound by mini-constitution and NPC view, president tells chief executive at Apec summit
President Xi Jinping took a firm line yesterday on political reform in Hong Kong, telling Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying the city must strictly follow the Basic Law and decisions of the NPC's Standing Committee.
After a closed-door meeting in Bali, where both men are attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation summit, Leung said: "President Xi gave a clear view on political reform.
"All issues related to political reform must be in accordance with the stipulations of the Basic Law and the decisions of the NPC Standing Committee. In addition, as Hong Kong is a society that upholds the rule of law, the SAR government and the whole of society should act in accordance with the law."
Veteran analyst Johnny Lau Yui-siu said Xi's remarks indicated Beijing was standing firm on reform and would not make concessions easily.
In a separate meeting, Xi told a Taiwanese envoy that the two sides should resolve their political disagreements and that Beijing was willing to hold talks with Taiwan on an equal basis.
Leung said he had reported on a range of issues affecting Hong Kong, but he did not say clearly if he had mentioned the Occupy Central movement or the idea for the public nomination of chief executive candidates.
Article 45 of the Basic Law mandates the selection of the chief executive "by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures".
