HK to maintain stability, prosperity: premier

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (C) speaks at a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 16, 2016. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

BEIJING, March 16 -- Hong Kong will maintain long-term stability and prosperity, Chinese Premier Li Keqiangsaid Wednesday.

The central government's policy of adhering to "one country, two systems," the people of Hong Kong governing Hong Kong, and a high degree of autonomy has not changed and will not change, Li said at a press conference after the conclusion of the annual legislative session.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government has the ability and Hong Kong people have the wisdom to properly handle the complex issues in Hong Kong, he said.

Hong Kong's economy is an advanced one, so a 2.4-percent growth speed last year was not low, Li said, adding that Hong Kong can further use its own comparative strength and seize the opportunities offered by mainland development.

The central government will give full support to any proposal from the SAR government that helps maintain Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity and contributes to people's well-being in Hong Kong, he added.