Senior Chinese official Li Changchun Wednesday called on the Hong Kong press to play a still greater role in safeguarding the "One Country, Two Systems," which is being implemented in the Hong Kong Special Administration Region (SAR).

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that the press community in Hong Kong shouldered a historical mission of playing an even more positive role in reporting comprehensively and accurately matters that concern prosperity and stability in Hong Kong, the national interest and the righteous cause of the Chinese nation.

Li made the remarks during a meeting with a high-level press delegation from Hong Kong, which was led by Lee Cho-jat, chairman of Hong Kong Publishing Association.

Speaking of the present situation in Hong Kong, he reaffirmed the Chinese central government's consistent adherence to its fundamental policies of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, and respect and implementation of the Basic Law.

The Hong Kong SAR government under the leadership of Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa had a full support of the central government in administering according to the law, and maintaining prosperity and stability in Hong Kong, he said.

Li pledged best possible efforts from the central government to help Hong Kong in its endeavor for economic recovery.

The top priory for Hong Kong was to maintain social stability, said the senior Chinese official.

Only with social stability, could it be possible for Hong Kong to create favorable conditions for economic recovery as soon as possible and continued development, Li added.

Moreover, Li noted, the fundamental interests and well-being of the overwhelming majority of Hong Kong people lay in long-term prosperity and stability, which constituted not only the fundamental interests and well-being of Hong Kong residents but also the common aspiration of the central government and the general public.

(Xinhua News Agency September 25, 2003)