Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, said Monday in Beijing the authority of the Basic Law of Hong Kong SAR must be respected.

During a meeting with a visiting delegation of independent councilors from the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, he said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government must abide by the Basic Law, and all the administrative, legislative and judicial activities in the SAR must be conducted according to it.

The third collective leadership with Hu Jintao as general secretary attaches great importance to Hong Kong and Macao affairs, believing their stability and prosperity are not only vital to the well-being of the compatriots in the two places but also in the overall interest of the Chinese people in general, Wu said.

The chairman hoped the councilors continue to uphold the position of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR and the central government's policy of "one country, two systems", and give full support for the administration of Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa and the SAR government he leads according to law.

The councilors were also urged to make greater contributions in maintaining the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong by using their intelligence and strength, and playing positive and unique roles in the legislative council.

(Xinhua News Agency October 28, 2003)