Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, incoming chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), has pledged to continue upholding the "one country, two systems" principle and work for the SAR's development.
Lam made the remarks in a recent joint interview with Xinhua and the China Central Television after she was appointed as the Hong Kong SAR's fifth-term chief executive by the State Council on March 31.
Lam won the chief executive election with 777 of 1,163 valid votes on March 26 and she will assume office on July 1, 2017.
In the interview, Lam stressed that the Hong Kong SAR chief executive shall be accountable not only to the special administrative region and people there, but also to the central government.
"Keeping Hong Kong's prosperity and stability is the shared goal of both the SAR government and the central government. The chief executive must play well the 'bridge' role between the special administrative region and the central government."
The chief executive should accurately inform the central government of how local people feel and what they want, and at the same time should also explain accurately the central government's policies related to the SAR to the local people, she said.
"ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" PRINCIPLE TO BE UPHELD
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.
While hailing the successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong over the past 20 years, Lam said that to become the new chief executive at this historic moment is a great honor, and it also means great responsibilities.
She vowed to continue administrating in accordance with the Basic Law to ensure the "one country, two systems" principle is steadfastly implemented in Hong Kong without bending or distortion.
She also pledged to further build up the understanding of the Basic Law, especially the understanding of the major premise of "one country," among the local people, particularly young students and civil servants. There is still plenty of room to do it, she said.
With regard to the future administration, Lam said the SAR government will become "more open and inclusive" as well as "more transparent."
She noted that in recent years, political differences in Hong Kong have hampered the growth of local economy and the improvement of the people's livelihood.
Lam sternly warned of the consequences of the "Hong Kong independence" activities, saying they are totally against the principle of "one country, two systems" and the Basic Law, and will undermine Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.
"The notion of 'Hong Kong independence' will lead nowhere in Hong Kong, and it will never be tolerated."
