Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's electoral system needs to be improved to ensure steady development of "One Country, Two Systems."

He made the remarks when taking a reporter's question during a virtual press conference after the closing of the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress, China's top legislature.  

Earlier, the NPC adopted a decision on improving the city's electoral system.

"The purpose of the decision is clear," Li said, stressing that Hong Kong must be administered by patriots.

"We will continue to act in strict accordance with the constitution and the Basic Law and fully support the HKSAR government and its chief executive in exercising law-based governance," he continued.

Noting that Hong Kong was hit by multiple shocks last year, Li pledged that the central government will continue to give its full support and called for unity for the economic recovery.

"We hope that people from all walks of life in Hong Kong will join hands to overcome the epidemic at an early date, to achieve economic recovery, improve people's livelihood and maintain long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong," he said.