BEIJING
China remains “unshakeable” in its plans for the 2017 election for Hong Kong’s top official, the spokeswoman for the Chinese legislature said Wednesday.
Fu Ying said Beijing remained resolute in its decision that candidates for the chief executive position should be selected by a communist-appointed committee -- a ruling that led to last year’s 79-day pro-democracy protests in the territory.
According to state news agency Xinhua, Fu, spokeswoman for National People's Congress, told a press conference: "We hope the universal suffrage can be held in 2017 smoothly."
Last year’s protests followed the announcement that candidates would be picked by a 1,200-strong committee which opponents say would see only Communist Party-approved candidates put forward.
Fu also addressed recent tensions between Hong Kong residents and shoppers from the mainland.
In recent months, suburbs in northern Hong Kong have witnessed three protests against an influx of mainland shoppers, resulting in clashes and dozens of arrests.
Fu called on Hong Kong’s government to protect the rights and safety of all tourists.
"Hong Kong is an international city and so Hong Kong has a responsibility to protect all visitors, including the security and dignity of mainland tourists," she said, according to Hong Kong public broadcaster RTHK.
Describing China and Hong Kong as "brothers," she referred to the donations and volunteers that flooded into China from Hong Kong following a 2008 earthquake.
"I was really moved," Fu said. "Blood is thicker than water. There should be more 'positive energy' and consultations between the two sides. It is not impossible to find solutions as long as we have consultations."
Hong Kong returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" mechanism that allows the city greater freedom than the mainland.
Although the congress is China’s foremost legislative body, it is widely viewed as a rubber stamp for decisions taken within the executive branch and the Communist Party.
