Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on Hong Kong to deepen international exchanges and cooperation while faithfully safeguarding the constitutional order stipulated in both the country’s constitution and the city’s Basic Law.
In the government work report he delivered on Wednesday, the country’s No 2 official also pledged support for Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.
“[We] support Hong Kong and Macau to develop the economy, improving the lives of their people, and deepening international exchanges and cooperation.”
“We will ensure that Hong Kong and Macau better integrate themselves into China’s overall development and maintain long-term prosperity and stability,” Li said, according to the report.
He asked the financial hub to “fully, faithfully and resolutely” uphold the constitutional order outlined in the constitution and the Hong Kong Basic Law – a requirement he did not mention in last year’s report.
Li delivered his work report at the opening of the annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s legislature, in Beijing.
