Xi commends progress in HK, Macao

President meets, hears work reports from chief executives of two SAR govts

President Xi Jinping has underlined "one country, two systems" as the best institutional arrangement in ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, pledging full support for the SAR governments in exercising lawful governance.

Xi made the remarks on Friday during separate meetings at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR John Lee Ka-chiu and Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Ho Iat-seng, who were visiting Beijing.

The president heard reports from them and commended their work as chief executives, as well as that of the two SAR governments.

During the meeting with Lee, Xi said that the central government will fully, faithfully and unswervingly carry out the principle of "one country, two systems", and make the utmost efforts to support the lawful governance of the Hong Kong SAR government and its chief executive.

He pledged full support for Hong Kong in giving play to its unique strengths, conducting extensive international cooperation and better integrating itself into overall national development.

He said that the SAR will see abundant opportunities and broad prospects in the new era.

The president gave full recognition to the work of Lee in leading the new SAR government in assuming its duties, saying that he has led the SAR government in staying pragmatic and enterprising and has united all sectors of society in resolutely safeguarding national security.

He praised Lee's leadership of the SAR government for restoring the vitality of the region's economy and also proactively responding to public concerns.

Xi also spoke positively of the efforts to study, publicize and implement in Hong Kong the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of Communist Party of China. The city is taking on new vitality from "patriots administering Hong Kong" and marching steadily forward on the right track of "one country, two systems", he said.