Chinese central government not to tighten policy toward HK: Premier

BEIJING, March 15 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Sunday that it is not necessary to worry about the Chinese central government tightening its policy toward Hong Kong.

"Some people are worried that the central government will tighten its policy toward Hong Kong. I believe that such worries are not necessary." Li made the remarks at a press conference after the conclusion of the annual legislative session.

Li emphasized that it is the basic state policy of China's government to adhere to the principles of "one country, two systems", the people of Hong Kong governing Hong Hong, the people of Macao governing Macao, and both regions enjoying high degree of autonomy.

"'One country, two systems' has been written in the constitution and the basic law of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which form the constitutional basis of the Hong Kong SAR," Li said, "It is also stipulated in the basic law of Hong Kong SAR what system should be practiced in the region."

Li said it's true that in this year's government work report it is said that the constitution and the basic law should be strictly abode by. This in itself shows China's commitment to ensuring the consistent and full implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle.

Li said he had been very careful in choosing my words in answering the question as it related to the law. "I need to answer it with utmost seriousness," he said.

He said the central government will continue to firmly support the government of the Hong Kong SAR and the chief executive, in governing the region in accordance with the law.

Stronger support will also be given to help Hong Kong play its unique role in China's reform and opening up, and modernization drive, he said.

Closer exchanges between Hong Kong and the mainland are expected.

"We hope...both sides get to benefit from such closer exchanges in the business, cultural and other fields, and all people involved in such exchanges will feel satisfied and have their well-being boosted," he said.