Chief Executive John Lee warmly congratulated the newly elected President and Central Military Commission (CMC) Chairman of the People's Republic of China (PRC) at the first session of the 14th National People's Congress.

The first session elected the new-term PRC's President and CMC Chairman today. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and Hong Kong people, Mr Lee extended his warmest congratulations to President Xi Jinping on his unanimous election.

Mr Lee said that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, President Xi has been leading the Chinese people in embarking on a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The country has since made historic development achievements and great progress.

He noted that the central authorities have been fully, faithfully and resolutely upholding the principle of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy, and implementing the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, fully supporting Hong Kong's new transition from governance to prosperity and promoting the city's prosperity and stability in the long run.

Noting that President Xi has repeatedly stated that the central authorities fully support the Hong Kong SAR Government's governance in accordance with the law, Mr Lee said it instils great confidence to the Hong Kong SAR Government and provides strong impetus for the development of Hong Kong.

He added the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to unite all sectors of the community to focus on economic development, improve people's livelihoods, build a beautiful city, better ensure and promote the fact of the successful implementation of “one country, two systems”, and more proactively integrate into the national development and strive to contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.