Li: Speed up Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development

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Europe

01:55

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said the mainland will give more support to the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions in order to integrate regional growth into the country's overall development and accelerate the planning and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, while stressing the "One Country, Two Systems" principle.

Premier Li made the remarks as he presented the annual government work report to lawmakers at the opening meeting of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), China's legislature, which will be underway in Beijing from March 5 to 15.

Li reiterated that China will continue to adhere to the guidelines of the "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and "Macao people administering Macao," with a high degree of autonomy.

"We will support the two regions in seizing the major opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development strategy, giving better play to their strengths, and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with the mainland in all fields," Li said.

During his presentation, Li also called for adhering to the major principles and policies on work related to Taiwan.

"We will resolutely oppose and deter any separatist schemes or activities seeking 'Taiwan independence,' and resolutely protect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Li stressed.

"We will deepen integrated development on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and keep expanding cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation," he said, calling the people on both sides of the strait to work together to create a beautiful future for all Chinese people.