President Hu Jintao said Saturday that the central government
will continue to implement the basic policy of "One Country, Two
Systems", pledging full support for the governments of Hong Kong
and Macao special administrative regions (SAR) to maintain
long-term prosperity and stability in the two regions.
President Hu made the remarks while meeting with Tung Chee Hwa,
chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR, and Edmund Ho Hau Wah, chief
executive of the Macao SAR, on two separate occasions Saturday
evening in Beijing.
The two chief executives are attending the ongoing session of
National People's Congress (NPC) as nonvoting delegates.
During his meeting with Tung Chee Hwa, Hu acknowledged that the
economy of Hong Kong has shown the momentum of recovery with
increased confidence of local residents, which is the result of
common efforts of all walks of life in Hong Kong under the support
of the central government.
The president pledged the central government would continue
support the Hong Kong SAR government's work in line with the basic
law, and help Hong Kong to recover its economy.
He called on personages from all walks of life in Hong Kong to
concentrate their efforts through uniting as one in their efforts
to overcome difficulty and constantly strive for a better future of
Hong Kong.
Hu spoke highly of the positive discussion on the principle of
"One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong, and said that it is
necessary to review Deng Xiaoping's theory on "One Country, Two
Systems", which is still playing an significant role in guiding the
practice.
During his meeting with Edmund Ho Hau Wah, the president praised
the government for its efforts and progresses in maintaining the
good situation in Macao.
Hu hoped that the Macao SAR government and all walks of life in
Macao would continue implement the "One Country, Two Systems"
principle and the basic law, and press ahead with the momentum of
economic development and stable society, and explore and accumulate
new experiences on successful practice of "One Country, Two
Systems" policy.
Vice-President Zeng Qinghong was present at the two
meetings.
(Xinhua News Agency March 7, 2004)