HONG KONG -- China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang said here Wednesday that the central government will unswervingly implement the principles of "one country, two systems," and "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" with a high degree of autonomy.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said at a welcome dinner that the central government will unswervingly support the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government in administering the region according to the law, and conducting mutually beneficial cooperation with the mainland.

Hong Kong has an important position in the overall situation of the country, he said, adding Hong Kong people have contributed greatly to the causes of revolution, construction as well as reform and opening-up, which is fully appreciated by the central government.

Zhang also wished Hong Kong compatriots a prosperous life.