Policies on HK, Macao unchanged: Xi

Xi Jinping (R), general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with CY Leung, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec 20, 2012. Leung is in Beijing to brief officials on Hong Kong's latest economic, social and political developments. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday stressed that the central authorities' policies on Hong Kong and Macao will not change after the transition of power.

Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Leung Chun-ying, chief executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), in Beijing.

The central authorities' adherence to the "one country, two systems" principle and the two Basic Laws will not change, said Xi, also vice president of China.

Xi also reiterated "unchanged support" for the chief executives and governments of the two SARs in carrying out their legal duties, as well as support for the SARs' policies on promoting economic growth, social welfare, democracy and harmony.

The policies adopted at the 18th National Congress of the CPC last month are continuations of the long-term policy, which focuses on the precise understanding and implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle and genuine respect for, and maintenance of, the authority of the Basic Laws, said Xi.

Xi recognized the work of Leung and the SAR government and pledged firm, continued support.

Xi recalled his notion that realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is the Chinese nation's greatest dream in modern history, adding that he believes compatriots in Hong Kong share this dream.

"I believe Hong Kong compatriots will contribute to the great rejuvenation," said Xi.