The executive-led system is a “shared responsibility and task” for the Hong Kong special Administrative Region government, legislative and judicial branches, as well as all sectors of the city's community, says Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang.

Ding, who’s a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, spoke as he joined HKSAR deputies to the National People’s Congress in a group deliberation at the fourth session of the 14th NPC – the nation’s top legislature.

At the meeting in the Great Hall of the People’s Hong Kong Hall, Starry Lee Wai-king -- Hong Kong’s sole delegate to the NPC Standing Committee -- was the first to speak, reaffirming her commitment to the executive-led system.

Lee, who’s also president of the SAR’s legislature, pledged that the Legislative Council will take the lead in fully supporting the law-based governance led by the Chief Executive and the SAR government. Lawmakers will “support, cooperate with, supervise and facilitate” the government's work, she said, ensuring they’ll neither fall short in support nor overstep in supervision.

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Following Lee's remarks, Ding described the executive-led system as “an extremely important topic” -- a new requirement and task set by the central government to promote law-based governance and good administration in Hong Kong.

He emphasized that the system isn’t solely the responsibility of the Chief Executive and the SAR government, but a shared duty of the legislature, the judiciary and all sectors of Hong Kong society.

The vice-premier urged all parties to strengthen research, exploration and practice of the system, and continuously sum up experience.

Noting that the LegCo has “great potential” for application, exploration and theoretical research concerning this topic, Ding said he hopes that Lee would lead the legislature in producing more practical outcomes that align with the SAR’s realities, as well as the central government's requirements.

Ding congratulated Lee on her election as president of the eighth-term LegCo, noting that her responsibilities have grown heavier entrusted not only by millions of SAR residents but also by the central government and the nation’s 1.4 billion people.

Ding attended a joint meeting on Friday with Hong Kong and Macao SAR members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference – the nation’s top political advisory body.

Other high-ranking central government officials who attended the meeting included Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Xia Baolong, who is also director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

A total of six deputies from HKSAR shared their opinions during the group deliberation on topics covering electoral reforms, enhancing the city's role as financial center and medical pivot. Ding responded briefly following their sharing.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com