BEIJING — President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the central government’s long-term and unswerving adherence to the principle of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong and Macao on Dec 15, when he met with the chief executives of the two special administrative regions (SARs).

In a meeting with Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Xi commended the policies and measures carried out by Lam’s administration to foster economic growth, improve people’s livelihood and protect social stability since she took office in July.

The central government fully endorses the work of Lam and the new Hong Kong SAR government, he said.

President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor in Beijing, capital of China, Dec 15, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xi noted that upholding the principle of “one country, two systems” and promoting national reunification were written into the report of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), as part of the basic policy to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.

“This is proof of the great importance the central government has attached to the work regarding Hong Kong and Macao. It also showcases the central government’s long-term and unswerving adherence to the principle of ‘one country, two systems,’” he said.

Xi called for full and faithful implementation of the policies of “one country, two systems,” “the people of Hong Kong governing Hong Kong,” and a high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong.

To do so, efforts must be made to combine the central government’s overall jurisdiction over the Hong Kong SAR and the high degree of autonomy of the region, he said.

Xi also said the report of the 19th CPC National Congress had proposed to integrate Hong Kong’s development into the overall development of the country.

This has pointed the way forward for Hong Kong’s future development, and is inevitable given the complementary advantages of Hong Kong and the mainland and their win-win cooperation, Xi said.

He expressed the hope that Lam would continue to lead the Hong Kong administration to unite the people of Hong Kong and contribute to great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Macao Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Chui Sai On in Beijing, capital of China, Dec 15, 2017. Chui is in Beijing to report the work of the Macao SAR government to the central government. [Photo/Xinhua]

In a separate meeting with Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao SAR, Xi commended the work of Chui and the Macao government to stabilize the economy and improve people’s well-being.

Xi acknowledged the work in the election of Macao’s Legislative Council and handling various emergencies and challenges.

The central government fully endorses the work of Chui and the Macao SAR government, he said.

President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Macao Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Chui Sai On in Beijing, capital of China, Dec 15, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Reiterating the central government’s unswerving implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems,” Xi stated the central government’s support for the governance of Chui and the Macao SAR government, and for Macao to integrate its development into the overall development of the country.

He hoped that Chui and the Macao SAR government would unite and lead the people of Macao to raise their awareness of the overall situation and hardship, so as to make greater contribution to the successful practice of “one country, two systems” in Macao and the realization of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.