Li Keqiang, Chinese Premier, "Patriots Govern Hong Kong"

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[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese Premier Li Keqiang stated that the revision of Hong Kong's election law was made to ensure the principle that "patriots govern Hong Kong" is implemented. Premier Li also said that China's "One Country, Two Systems" principle remains unchanged.

At the closing press conference of the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC) on the 11th, Premier Li emphasized the justification and necessity of revising Hong Kong's election law.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the NPC meeting that day, despite opposition from the United States and others, the Chinese leadership virtually passed the amendment to Hong Kong's election law unanimously. Of the 2,896 NPC deputies who participated in the vote, 2,895 voted in favor. There were no opposing votes, and only one abstention. The NPC had already reviewed the amendment to Hong Kong's election law at a subcommittee (special committee) after the opening of the annual session on the 5th.

Premier Li explained, "We will uphold the policy of One Country, Two Systems and Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy, and strictly handle matters in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law," adding, "We will thoroughly enforce the law to safeguard national security by the Hong Kong government and support the Hong Kong government's rule of law."

He reiterated, "The revision of Hong Kong's election law at this NPC session is to institutionally supplement One Country, Two Systems and to uphold the principle that patriots govern Hong Kong."

Premier Li also said, "Although Hong Kong faced several difficulties last year, I hope all sectors of Hong Kong unite to overcome the COVID-19 situation as soon as possible, achieve economic recovery, and realize long-term prosperity and stability," adding, "The central government will provide full support."

Premier Li expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States. Regarding the possibility of restoring China-US relations following President Joe Biden's inauguration, he said, "In recent years, China-US relations have experienced serious difficulties," warning, "If the world's largest developing country and the developed country join forces, it is beneficial; if they fight, it will be harmful."

He asserted, "The two countries should develop their relations in a healthy and stable direction based on the principles of no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect, and cooperative prosperity," adding, "This aligns with the interests of both countries and the expectations of the international community."

He emphasized, "The United States and China differ in history, culture, and social systems, so conflicts are inevitable," and said, "The peoples of China and the US have the ability and wisdom to handle this, and they must respect each other and engage in dialogue and communication on an equal footing."

Premier Li continued, "I hope the two countries will engage in multi-layered dialogues in various fields," adding, "Through this, even if common ground is not found for a while, opinion exchanges will be possible, which will help manage and resolve differences."

He also said, "The two countries have common interests and many areas for cooperation," and stated, "As permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, the two countries bear important responsibilities for maintaining world peace and must strive to overcome the difficulties in China-US relations and move toward a stable direction."

He added, "Although it has been over 40 years since China and the US established diplomatic relations, the reason we have been able to navigate through turbulent waves is that it aligned with global trends and the fundamental interests of both countries," and said, "I hope they respect each other's core interests and major concerns and refrain from interfering in internal affairs."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.