'One country, two systems' stands test of time, Hong Kong first top executive says

The principle of one country, two systems has contributed greatly to Hong Kong's social and economic stability and will be a unique advantage for future development, said Tung Chee-hwa, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Tung, the first chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said it is normal to have heard different voices in the past two decades, "but most people know the importance of the principle and are supportive because they've seen the benefits".

During the global financial crisis of 1997-98 and the SARS epidemic of 2003, he said central government aid showed how the principle helped Hong Kong.