Beijing Vows To Uphold One Country, Two Systems

Premier Li Keqiang on Friday said Beijing will "faithfully implement One Country, Two Systems" while establishing a legal system to safeguard national security, as global criticism over the move mounted.

The central government is proposing to put forward its own version of a national security law for the Special Administrative Region, a move which has invited accusations from across the world that Beijing is disregarding its commitment to give Hong Kong autonomy in local matters.

US President Donald Trump warned Washington would react strongly if Beijing went ahead with its plan, while pro-democracy groups in the SAR have described it as the “end of Hong Kong”.

Speaking at the opening of the National People's Congress plenary session in Beijing, Li made no reference to these reactions.

‘“We will fully and faithfully implement the policy of One Country, Two, Systems, under which the people of Hong Kong govern Hong Kong and the people of Macau govern Macau with a high degree of autonomy for both regions,” he said.

“We will establish sound legal systems and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security in the two special administrative regions, and see that the governments of the two regions fulfill their constitutional responsibilities.”

The premier also offered support for the growth and stability in both the SARs.

“We will support Hong Kong and Macau in growing ther economies, improving living standards, and better integrating their development into China s overall development and help them maintain long term prosperity and stability,” said Li.