Hong kong Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa returned home yesterday after meeting with central government leaders in Beijing, but he kept quiet on widespread speculation he will soon resign.
Before leaving Beijing, Tung reiterated an apparent promise to address the matter that he made last Wednesday after he arrived in Beijing to attend the third session of the 10th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference as a member and also the third session of the 10th National People's Congress as a non-voting participant.
"I had promised to give you an explanation about the issue you are concerned about at an appropriate time," Tung said. "I will definitely keep that promise."
He didn't speak to the media after arriving in Hong Kong.
Premier wen Jiabao praised Hong Kong's economic recovery when meeting with Tung yesterday, saying that "people's livelihoods have improved."
President hu Jintao also spoke well of Tung on Saturday.
Hong kong has managed to recover its economy and maintain a stable society thanks to joint efforts made by the Hong Kong government and Hong Kong people, Wen said. He hoped the people from all circles in Hong Kong will cherish the situation achieved through painstaking efforts and will work together for further development.
The central government will stick to the principle of "One Country, Two Systems," strictly follow the Basic Law of the HKSAR, push economic cooperation between Hong Kong and the mainland forward and contribute to the prosperity and development of Hong Kong, Wen said.
In a report on the situation of Hong Kong, Tung told Hu on Saturday that Hong Kong's economy has maintained a steady recovery and confidence has increased among its residents.
Tung and the Hong Kong government have done a pioneering job in the successful implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle.
The central government has fully recognized Tung's work and that of the Hong Kong government, Hu said.
The president expressed his hope that the compatriots of Hong Kong value stability and prosperity. He said the people should be more united, strive for the same goals, as well as consolidate and develop the sound situation of the economic recovery to build Hong Kong into an even better place.
Tung said yesterday he will return to Beijing on Thursday for the CPPCC's annual session, and remain until its closing ceremony on Saturday.