HK Will Retain Foreign Investor Tag: Li Keqiang

Premier Li Keqiang on Friday reiterated that businesses from Hong Kong and Macau will continued to be treated as foreign investors under the newly-passed Foreign Investment Law although that hasn't been specifically spelt out in the bill.

"Investment from Macau and Hong Kong on the mainland account for 70 percent of all paid-in investments on the mainland. So how can we not set store by investments from these two regions?" Li asked.

Some concerns were raised when the draft law came out as to whether the SARs would enjoy the same benefits as before.

Li also said Beijing will introduce more "preferential policies" for Taiwan residents to enjoy the same treatment as mainland citizens.

Speaking at a press conference, Li said new initiatives will be implemented to invite people from Taiwan to "work hand-in-hand to realise our shared dream for the nation".

Last year, Beijing introduced its "31 Measures" to woo Taiwan residents. Li said on Friday that even more policies should be offered.

"When people on both sides of the strait enjoy the same development opportunities," he said, "they will become closer and closer."

Li also rejected US warnings that telecommunications behemoth Huawei poses security risks, saying China will "never" ask its firms to spy on other nations.

"There is none of that now, and there never will be [any of it] in the future," Li said. "This is not in accordance with Chinese law, and is not how China does things." (AP, AFP)