New | Beijing committed to ‘one country, two systems’ says Premier Li Keqiang

Beijing will "unswervingly" implement the principles of ‘one country, two systems’ and maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau, Premier Li Keqiang promised in his first annual report.

Speaking at the opening of the national legislature’s yearly session this morning Li also promised to "support the chief executives and governments of the two regions in governing in accordance with the law, energetically developing the economy, improving people’s wellbeing, advancing democracy in accordance with the law and maintaining social harmony.

"We will further increase co-operation between the mainland and the two regions and help them become more competitive," he added. "As China continues to comprehensively deepen reform and modernise, Hong Kong and Macau stand to benefit greatly."

In an arrangement similar to his predecessor Wen Jiabao’s, the paragraph on Hong Kong was included on pages 30 and 31 of the 32-page report – in the premier’s six-part conclusion to his governance blueprint.

The promises appear to be boost for Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, who is visiting Beijing to attend this morning’s session along with about 200 Hong Kong deputies to the national legislature and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.