A reporter from Hong Kong-based Phoenix Satellite Television asks a question at the news conference. [Photo/Xinhua] |
South China Sea/Asia Pacific
Disagreements among countries need to be resolved through peaceful, diplomatic means, and China needs a peaceful external environment to support its development, Premier Li said.
Li also said that China and the United States can cooperate with each other in the Asia-Pacific region and contribute to regional stability.
Hong Kong
The central government's policy of adhering to "one country, two systems," the people of Hong Kong governing Hong Kong, and a high degree of autonomy has not changed and will not change, Li said.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government has the ability and Hong Kong people have the wisdom to properly handle the complex issues in Hong Kong, he said.
Hong Kong's economy is an advanced one, so a 2.4-percent growth speed last year was not low, Li said, adding that Hong Kong can further use its own comparative strength and seize the opportunities offered by mainland development.
The central government will give full support to any proposal from the SAR government that helps maintain Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity and contributes to people's well-being in Hong Kong, he added.