Hong Kong irreplaceable says Chinese premier

Hong Kong irreplaceable says Chinese premier Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing Friday that Hong Kong’s role as an international financial, shipping and trade center cannot be replaced by any other place.
   In remarks reported by the official Xinhua News Agency from a press conference after the annual session of the National People’s Congress, Wen said Hong Kong has a unique geographical advantage, free economy, extensive links with the rest of the world, and a full-fledged legal system.
   “The past decade since Hong Kong’s return has been an extraordinary period,” Wen said. He contended Chins’ central government has unswervingly implemented the principles of “one country two systems” with “Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy.
   “And we have strictly followed the Basic Law. We have not intervened in the matters that fall into the jurisdiction of the Hong Kong SAR government,” he contended.