Wang Yang Speaks Out Against HK Independence

The chairman of the central government's top advisory body, Wang Yang, said on Sunday that Bejing is "unequivocally opposed" to the idea of Hong Kong independence.

Speaking at the opening of the annual session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Wang's review of the past twelve months also didn't highlight the "one country two systems" principle.

Wang called on Hong Kong delegates to the advisory body to support the SAR's Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, and warned that the idea of Hong Kong independence should not be promoted.

Alan Hoo, a local delegate to the consultative body, rejected suggestions that the report did not mention Hong Kong much.

"I don’t think it's how many times you should be mentioned. It's been mentioned and the emphasis is there," Hoo said, noting that the report dwelt on the Greater Bay Area, which involves Hong Kong and the 'one country, two systems' principle.

Security has been tightened in central Beijing for the annual session of the CPPCC, the national political advisory body, with police stationed along the main street, Chang'an Avenue and police cars in position at major intersections.

Barriers have been erected outside a hotel housing Hong Kong deputies and members of the public are not allowed to enter, and accredited journalists and guests have to undergo security checks when entering.

More than 2,000 members of the committee from across the country are meeting for this year's session which is scheduled to conclude next week.

They include 200 members from Hong Kong.

One of them, the former President of the Federation of Trade Unions Lam Shuk-yee, told RTHK that she will propose measures aimed at making life easier for Hong Kong people who live and work in the Greater Bay Area during this year's session.

The more than 2,000 members will also be present at a plenary session of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, as non-voting participants.

Premier Li Keqiang is expected to unveil the NPC session on Tuesday by announcing a lower GDP growth forecast for 2019, setting the tone for a session heavy on economic legislation and expected to last two weeks.

Last updated: 2019-03-03 HKT 17:05