Chinese President Jiang Zemin reiterated Tuesday evening that it is the long-term basic state policy of the Chinese government to implement the principles of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong," and a high degree of autonomy.
"The Chinese government will never waver in or change this policy come what may," Jiang said at the Fortune Global Forum held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, where he declared Hong Kong's return to China in 1997.
The president said since its return, Hong Kong has been comprehensively implementing these principles and its Basic Law. The central government has faithfully observed the Basic Law, firmly supported the chief executive and the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in their work, and has never intervened in the affairs that are under the autonomy of the HKSAR.
Facts have proved that the HKSAR government with Tung Chee Haw as its chief executive has the wisdom and capabilities to cope with complicated situations and that Hong Kong people can manage Hong Kong well, Jiang said.
"The mainland has been and will always be the strong backing behind a stable and prosperous Hong Kong," the president promised, expressing the belief that the Hong Kong economy is bound to have an even broader prospect for development as the mainland will continue to enjoy a sustained, rapid and sound economic development and Hong Kong will continue to improve its economic system and maintain and strengthen its important role as a bridge between the mainland and the world market.
(Xinhua 05/08/2001)
