‘Two sessions’ 2025: China’s Li Qiang urges Hong Kong to deepen international exchanges

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on Hong Kong to deepen international exchanges and collaboration while faithfully safeguarding the constitutional order stipulated in both the country’s constitution and the city’s Basic Law

In the government report he delivered on Wednesday, the country’s No 2 official also pledged support for Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability but did not mention the city’s role in the Greater Bay Area development as he did last year.

“[We] support Hong Kong and Macau to develop the economy, improve people’s livelihood, deepen international exchange and collaboration, and better integration into the country’s overall development,” Li said.

He asked the financial hub to “fully, accurately and unswervingly” safeguard the constitutional order outlined in the constitution and the Hong Kong Basic Law – a requirement he did not mention in last year’s report.

Li delivered his work report at the opening of the annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s legislature, in Beijing.

He also underscored the importance of “fully, accurately and firmly” implementing the “one country, two systems” governing policy, “Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong” and the city’s “high degree of autonomy”.