Chinese President Jiang Zemin said here today the "one country, two systems" principle will score greater successes, following its smooth implementation in Hong Kong and Macao.

Jiang made the remark when attending a group discussion with deputies from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) to the on-going Third Session of the Ninth National People's Congress (NPC).

"Continued practice of the 'one country, two systems' principle in Hong Kong and Macao will enrich our experience and the principle will surely be implemented better and better," Jiang said.

On the whole, Jiang said, Hong Kong has maintained a sound situation since its return to the motherland, on July 1, 1997. The implementation of the principles of "one country, two systems," " Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong," and a high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong has been successful and won worldwide recognition.

Over the past two years, Hong Kong has encountered quite a few stormy waves and difficulties. But the SAR government, headed by Tung Chee Hwa, has steamed through the hard times and made outstanding achievements, with the support of the central government and the concerted efforts by Hong Kong compatriots, Jiang said.

The "one country, two systems" concept should be taken in its entirety, Jiang said. Within the main body of the state, the People's Republic of China (PRC), the socialist system will stay, while Hong Kong and Macao, as well as Taiwan after its return to the motherland, are made special administrative regions to continue practicing their existing capitalism.

The president stressed that this is a long-term state policy. Upholding the one-country principle is to ensure the unity of sovereignty. No separatism will be tolerated.

Ten years of implementation of the Basic Law of the PRC in Hong Kong has fully demonstrated its vitality, said the president.

Everything that has been stipulated in the basic law must be firmly implemented, Jiang said, adding this is the fundamental guarantee for maintaining long-term stability and prosperity in Hong Kong.

The president noted that the Basic Law is a national law that should be followed by Hong Kong as well as the whole country. He urged inland departments and localities not to interfere in matters covered by the autonomous power of the Hong Kong SAR government.

But any issue that is related to the central government, as defined by the basic law, must be handled strictly according to the Constitution and the Basic Law, he said.