- Title: Zhang Dejiang says Hong Kong's role in Beijing's national strategy is "important"
- Date: 18th May 2016
- Summary: HONG KONG, CHINA (MAY 18, 2016) (REUTERS) ***WARNING CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** VARIOUS OF CHAIRMAN OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS, ZHANG DEJIANG (IN GLASSES), ENTERING VENUE BOARD READING (ENGLISH) "BELT AND ROAD SUMMIT" ZHANG GIVING SPEECH TV SHOWING ZHANG GIVING SPEECH ZHANG GIVING SPEECH AUDIENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHAIRMAN OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS, ZHANG DEJIANG, SAYING: "The Chinese central government attaches great importance to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and its role in the national strategy." VARIOUS OF AUDIENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHAIRMAN OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS, ZHANG DEJIANG, SAYING: "The shadow of the international financial crisis is not far behind, and the world economic recovery lacks momentum." JOURNALISTS ZHANG (CENTRE), HONG KONG CHIEF EXECUTIVE LEUNG CHUN-YING (LEFT) AND FORMER CHIEF EXECUTIVE TUNG CHEE-HWA (RIGHT WALKING TO PODIUM FOR SUMMIT OPENING CEREMONY ZHANG, LEUNG, TUNG AND DELEGATES ON STAGE
- Embargoed: 2nd June 2016 04:40
- Keywords: Zhang Dejiang Beijing national stragegy protest pro-democracy
- Location: HONG KONG, CHINA
- City: HONG KONG, CHINA
- Country: China
- Reuters ID: LVA0014IC36MD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: China's number three leader said on Wednesday (May 18) Beijing attaches great importance to Hong Kong's prosperity and its role in China's national strategy.
Zhang made the speech in the Belt and Road Summit, which aims to promote China's initiative to rebuild Silk Road trade links in Europe and Asia.
The official, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhang Dejiang, is in Hong Kong for the second day of his three-day official visit.
The most senior Chinese leader in Hong Kong since the 2014 Occupy democracy protests, Zhang's visit came amid calls for greater autonomy in the Chinese-ruled city or even independence from the mainland.
He said the initiative could promote more international cooperation as countries continue to grapple with economic downturns.
Dozens of pro-democracy protesters rallied outside the building to demand Beijing stop interfering with the city's affairs while Zhang was speaking, but their voices could not be heard inside the venue and Zhang's speech was not interrupted. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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