China opposes any form of Hong Kong or Taiwan independence, Premier Li says at NPC Session opening
Updated 10:57, 28-Jun-2018
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Premier Li Keqiang told legislators at the opening of the 5th session of the 12th National People’s Congress on Sunday that China opposes any form of independence for Hong Kong or Taiwan. 
While delivering a progress report on the work of the government, the premier pledged to fully implement the "one country, two systems" principle in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
He said the central government will continue to implement, both to the letter and in spirit, the principle of "one country, two systems," under which the people of Hong Kong govern Hong Kong, the people of Macao govern Macao, and both regions enjoy a high degree of autonomy.
"We will continue to act in strict compliance with China's Constitution and the basic laws of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, and we will ensure that the principle of 'one country, two systems' is steadfastly applied in Hong Kong and Macao without being bent or distorted," Li said.
“The notion of Hong Kong independence will lead nowhere,” he stressed.
The Chinese mainland also will resolutely oppose and contain separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence," he added. "We will never tolerate any activity, in any form or name, which attempts to separate Taiwan from the motherland."
Li emphasized that the Chinese mainland would thoroughly implement the policies on work related to Taiwan, uphold the One China principle, and safeguard the 1992 Consensus as the common political foundation.
National sovereignty and territorial integrity will be protected, while peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and peace, and stability across the Taiwan Strait, will be safeguarded, according to the premier.
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