President Xi Jinping supports Hong Kong in containing separatists

The central government firmly supports Hong Kong authorities to contain HK separatists in line with the Basic Law, President Xi Jinping said on Friday.

Xi made these remarks while meeting with Leung Chun-ying, chief executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, who came to Beijing to report the HK government's annual work.

The central government fully acknowledges Leung's work in leading the HK government to contain HK separatists and deal with violent street activities in line with the law, Xi said.

Two legislators-elect, Leung Chung-hang and Yau Wai-ching, insulted China with derogatory language while reading their oaths at a swearing-in ceremony in October. They also displayed banners proclaiming "Hong Kong is Not China." Hong Kong's High Court ruled last month that they must be disqualified as lawmakers.

Xi told Leung that the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, under which Hong Kong and Macao enjoy high autonomy, is in line with national interests and benefits Hong Kong people, and the policy should be firmly implemented and safeguarded by the HK government.

While meeting Fernando Chui Sai On, chief executive of Macau Special Administrative Region, Xi also urged him to steadily push for the "One Country, Two Systems" policy.

Xi also required the Macao government to diversify the region's recently declining economy, which has long relied on the gambling industry.

The president also extended New Year's wishes to Hong Kong and Macao people on behalf of himself as well as the central government.