We Stand By One Country, Two Systems: Li Keqiang

Premier Li Keqiang has dismissed claims that Beijing has given up on One Country, Two Systems for Hong Kong by implementing national security legislation in the city.

Speaking at a press conference to mark the end of this year's parliamentary session, Li stressed the legislation is aimed at promoting stability and prosperity in the SAR.

He said that Beijing has all along been "fully and faithfully" implementing One Country, Two Systems.

“One Country, Two systems is China’s basic state policy. The central government has all along fully and faithfully implemented [it] … under which the people of Hong Kong rule Hong Kong under the strict accordance of the constitution and Basic Law,” said the premier.

The premier made no reference to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s announcement that said Beijing's imposition of the new law shows Hong Kong does not enjoy promised under the handover agreement signed by China and Britain.

Analysts say the city is getting increasingly caught up in a rising trade conflict between Beijing and Washington, endangering its status as a global financial centre.