When delivering the 2017 government work report at the opening meeting of the annual session of China's top legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC), Premier Li Keqiang mentioned Hong Kong independence forces, warning that such separatist movements “will lead nowhere.”

This was the first time the annual official document included such topic – a move that sent a strong signal about the country’s unwavering commitment to the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.

Li's remarks have drawn much attention from international media as well as NPC deputies, particularly those from Hong Kong.

Talking to a crowd of journalists, deputy Tien Puk-sun of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, stressed that effective communication between officials and younger generation is necessary. He noted it should be focused on making the region’s youth understand the Basic Law, such as the context of “One Country, Two Systems” or why Hong Kong is an indivisible part of China.

“…When it comes to young people, it is how to resonate in their hearts rather than just trying to appeal to them with reason,” the deputy said.

In his opinion, this should have been the core task for the government officials.

Tien said "localization is not a problem," but it should refer to the indigenous culture.

According to him, young people in Hong Kong are exploring ways to preserve their shared memories, through local old movies and songs for example. As more and more young people seek inspiration from their culture to create businesses, Tien suggested finding a way to pass the culture so as to help locals have a common sense of culture identity.

The deputy said the role of the chief executive matters the most when confronting some of the young people who lack understanding of their country and could easily be led.

He expressed his hope that the new region’s chief could do better to “effectively communicate” with younger generation.

The Election Committee’s 1,200 members will cast their vote on March 26 to choose Hong Kong’s next top officer. Three qualified candidates emerged when the Electoral Affairs Commission concluded candidate nomination on March 1. Former Hong Kong financial secretary John Tsang Chun-wah, ex-chief secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and retired judge Woo Kwok-hing are competing for the top local leadership to replace incumbent Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, who cited family reasons for not seeking a second term.