Hong Kong has more room for development: Xi

BEIJING, Dec. 18 -- President Xi Jinping has promised more room and opportunities for Hong Kong's development.

Xi made the remarks on Wednesday after hearing a report by Leung Chun-ying, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), on the regional situation and HKSAR government work in the past year.

Xi said that the central government fully affirms the work of Leung and the HKSAR government in maintaining stability while seeking changes, giving priority to people's livelihoods and solving obvious issues in social and economic development.

According to Xi, last month's decision on reform by the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee will lead to strengthened cooperation and exchanges between the mainland and Hong Kong, and Hong Kong will gain more opportunities and space for development.

Xi said that the central government standpoint on the election of Hong Kong's next Chief Executive by universal suffrage in 2017 is persistent and clear.

Xi expressed his hope that people from all walks of life in Hong Kong would unite and lay the foundation for a smooth election.