Mainland confident in 'One Country, Two Systems' policy for HK

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday assured that the Chinese government will not tighten its policy toward Hong Kong because of the stability of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy. [Special coverage]

"I believe that it is unnecessary to worry that the central government will tighten its policy toward Hong Kong," Li said at a press conference after the conclusion of the annual legislative session.

He stressed that the "One Country, Two Systems" policy and high degree of autonomy are basic State policies.

"'One Country, Two Systems' is enshrined in the Constitution and the Basic Law, which form the constitutional basis of the Hong Kong Special Autonomous Region," Li said. "It is also stipulated in the Basic Law as to what system should be practiced in the region."

He added that this year's government work report mentioned that the Constitution and the Basic Law should be strictly followed, which reflects China's commitment to the consistent and full implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle.

Zhang Dinghuai, a professor at the Contemporary Chinese Politics Research Institute of Shenzhen University, told the Global Times that the fact that Chinese leaders have repeatedly stressed that "One Country, Two Systems" is a basic State policy shows that it is guaranteed both politically and legally.

Zhang added that over the past 25 years since the Basic Law was issued, the principle has already transformed from a political commitment into an institutional arrangement which will remain unchanged in the provisions of the Basic Law.

Meanwhile in Hong Kong, post-Occupy activities continue. Protest groups launched protests against mainland traders and demands for political reform Sunday at Government House. At least 300 police were deployed and several were arrested.

In response, two anti-Hong Kong independence protests took place in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, expressing their anger over the recent violent anti-mainland traders protests.

Tian Feilong, a law professor and visiting scholar at the University of Hong Kong, said that the anti-mainland protests have failed facing wide opposition.

Zhang said that some people in Hong Kong still lack a comprehensive understanding of "One Country, Two Systems," which has led to radical protests.