Wang Guangya, the director of China’s State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, told reporters that the central government has a consistent and clear criteria for the Hong Kong's chief executive. Wang spoke to reporters on the sidelines of China's annual parliamentary sessions in a passageway in Beijing's Great Hall of the People dubbed the "Ministers' Aisle". 

"Hong Kong will elect its fifth chief executive on March 26. On the issue of the election, I want to mention three things. The election of the Hong Kong chief executive matters to the central government, so it is normal that the central government expresses its concerns. Secondly, the central government has set the criteria for the Hong Kong chief executive, and this criteria was not made today, it has been consistent and clear for some time. Thirdly, the central government hopes the election process will be conducted smoothly and abide by all relevant laws and rules." said Wang.