Nation's top legislator says SAR's future is bright, bonds with mainland are strong

Zhang Dejiang (left), China's top legislator, and Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying visit an innovation booth at Hong Kong Science Park as part of an event surrounding the Belt and Road Summit on Wednesday. ISAAC LAWRENCE / AFP

China's top legislator, Zhang Dejiang, reiterated on Wednesday the central government's firm position on implementing the "One Country, Two Systems" principle in Hong Kong. He also said he hoped the city's people will remain confident in a bright future for both Hong Kong and the country.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, made the remark at an official banquet on Wednesday evening attended by hundreds of officials, business leaders and representatives from a wide spectrum of the Hong Kong community.

The "One Country, Two Systems" principle has successfully maintained people's way of life and the city's status as an international financial center and a free economy, Zhang said on the second day of his three-day inspection tour of Hong Kong. He said Hong Kong people should treasure such a constitutional arrangement.

Zhang reaffirmed that the central government will not change the principle, because it is a basic State policy and a strategic choice, and has been effective in strengthening the bond between people from Hong Kong and the mainland.

Any speculation about changing the "One Country, Two Systems" principle in Hong Kong is groundless, he said.

Zhang called on Hong Kong people to remember the original intention of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, which he said guarantees "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and "a high degree of autonomy".

Noting that a small group of people had advocated for the separation of Hong Kong from the nation under the name of "localism", Zhang said the rule of law is the foundation of Hong Kong society and the bottom line of freedom.

"If the foundation is shaken, and the bottom line is compromised, how can we maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability?" he said.