China's top legislator underlines 'one country, two systems' in HK

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, attends the Belt and Road summit during his visit in Hong Kong on May 18, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

HONG KONG -- One should not doubt, waver over or even deny the practice of "one country, two systems" principle in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang said here Wednesday.

Speaking at a welcome dinner, Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said the practice of the "one country, two systems" in HKSAR is without precedent.

Related institutions and mechanisms need to be further improved in various aspects, said Zhang, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Some deep-rooted problems are emerging after a while, which is inevitable, and the problems exposed so far are either accumulated over the years or newly emerged so that they cannot be solved overnight, the top legislator said.

"However, 'there is no insurmountable Mount of Flames.' We have the wisdom and ability to solve the problems that occur during the practice of the 'one country, two systems' principle," he said.

Noting that Hong Kong is a diversified society, Zhang said it's normal that there are different voices on Hong Kong's politics, economy and people's livelihood.

"While respecting the 'one country, two systems' and the Basic Law, we would like to listen to the opinions and suggestions from all walks of life and communicate in various ways for the sake of Hong Kong," he said.

"Rational communications help reduce or even eliminate differences and promote common ground."

The top legislator noted that the performance of the three SAR chief executives and the four terms of SAR governments is praiseworthy, Zhang said.

Incumbent Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his administration are clear about where the problems are and have already taken effective measures to push forward Hong Kong's economic and social development which has yielded fruits, he said.

As long as upholding the spirit of "setting aside differences and pursuing goals together" and working together to support the chief executive and the SAR government, the new stage in implementing the "one country, two systems" principle will be reached with concerted efforts, Zhang added.