President Hu Jintao said Wednesday 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, to maintain long-term prosperity and stability in the
two regions.
President Hu made the remarks while meeting separately with Tung
Chee-hwa and Edmund Ho Hau Wah, chief executives of Hong Kong and
Macao special administrative regions (SAR) respectively, Wednesday
in Beijing. The two chief executives are here reporting on their
work to the central government.
During his meeting with Tung, the president praised the Hong
Kong SAR government's work to improve its administration and
people's livelihood, safeguard social stability and promote
economic development.
With the support of the central government, Hu said, the
mainland and Hong Kong SAR government are working together to
implement a Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA).
The economy of Hong Kong has shown the momentum of recovery with
increased confidence from local residents, Hu acknowledged.
Hu said he hoped Hong Kong authorities would continue their
efforts to improve communication with all walks of life in Hong
Kong, and draw on the wisdom of the public to improve their
services.
Hu also underlined the vital significance of the role of Hong
Kong compatriots in bringing about economic revitalization and
development in the region.
After hearing Tung's report on the comments from the Hong Kong
community concerning political system examination, Hu said the
central government has a clear-cut position on the development of
Hong Kong's political system.
The central government holds that the political system must
progress according to the specific conditions in the region and in
line with the Basic Law of HKSAR.
Hu said he believed that the Hong Kong community will be able to
reach a broad-based consensus on the issue.
During his meeting with Macao's Edmund Ho Hau Wah, the president
praised the local government for achieving the good situation under
which Macao enjoys social stability and a growing economy, while
local residents live and work in peace and contentment.
Since China resumed its sovereignty over Macao, Hu said, the SAR
government has been taking initiatives and been pragmatic in making
progress in improving the situation of law and order, pressing
ahead with government administrative reform, defining economic
development strategies and policies that conform to the concrete
conditions of Macao, and deepening economic co-operation with the
mainland while expanding international exchanges.
(Xinhua News Agency December 4, 2003)