Premier Li continues support for Hong Kong

BEIJING, Dec. 17 -- Premier Li Keqiang Tuesday said that the central government will continue to uphold "One Country, Two Systems" and the principle of "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" with a high degree of autonomy.

Li made the remarks when he met with Leung Chun-ying, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), noting that the central government will further expand opening and cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong.

"The central government will strictly act in line with the provisions of the Basic Law and fully support Leung and the HKSAR government to administrate in accordance with law," Li said.

Li said that Hong Kong has maintained mild economic growth with a low rate of unemployment and a stable society under the complexity of the world economic recovery.

"The implementation of comprehensively deepening reform and opening up brought about by the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee will provide more opportunities for the development of Hong Kong," Li said.

Li also expressed his hopes for the HKSAR government to grasp the opportunities to meet challenges and maintain stable economic growth in order to keep a leading position in fierce competition.

During the meeting, Leung briefed Li on the recent situation in Hong Kong and the work of the HKSAR government.