Beijing upholds patriots-only rule in HK: premier

Premier Li Keqiang said on Saturday that Beijing will uphold the principle that only patriots will govern Hong Kong, while reaffirming the spirit of the one country two systems principle and Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong.

Delivering the government’s work report during the opening meeting of the National People’s Congress in the capital, Li said Beijing will fully support the work of the SAR government in accordance with the law.

“We will ensure that the central government exercise overall jurisdiction over the two SARs and also uphold the principle that Hong Kong and Macau should be governed by patriots,” he said.

“And we will help Hong Kong and Macau develop their economies and improve the people’s wellbeing, and see that the two regions better integrate themselves into the country’s overall development, and maintain long-term prosperity and stability.”

He said Beijing will continue to implement the principles of One Country, Two Systems, Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong and a high degree of autonomy accurately and staunchly.

On Taiwan, the premier said people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should come together to advance the cause of China’s rejuvenation and unification.

He said Beijing is resolutely against pro-independence separatist behaviour and any interference of foreign powers.