Changes Improve One Country, Two Systems: Li Keqiang

Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday the purpose of the National People’s Congress decision endorsing changes to the SAR’s electoral system is to “adhere to and improve the systemic structure of One Country, Two Systems” and “uphold the principle of patriots administering Hong Kong”.

Speaking at his annual press conference in Beijing, at the conclusion of the NPC annual session, Li also said the central government gives its full backing to the SAR and Chief Executive Carrie Lam.

“Last year, Hong Kong suffered multiple disruptions,” he said.

"We hope people from all walks of life in the Hong Kong SAR will work together to defeat the virus at an early date, revive economic growth, improve people’s living standards and maintain Hong Kong’s long term prosperity and stability.”

“The central government will continue to give Hong Kong full support,” Li added.

Also speaking in the capital following the NPC decision, Maria Tam, a vice chairwoman of the Basic Law Committee, said amendments would enable the “executive-led political system” to serve Hong Kong well.

Tam was speaking alongside NPC deputy Ma Fung-kwok and NPC Standing Committee member Tam Yiu-chung.

“Ever since the 1980s, it was very well known that Mr Deng Xiaoping says patriots should be the mainstream of members of in our government and legislature to govern Hong Kong,” she said.

“This is nothing unusual – all over the world you have the same standard of pledging of allegiance and upholding of the constitution.”

She added that all these changes are to ensure that the country’s national security and sovereignty are protected, and so Hong Kong’s capitalist system could work in synergy with the mainland’s socialist system to “fulfill the wish and goal of One Country, Two Systems”.