Beijing, July 17: With Hong Kong in the midst of the worst political crisis in the aftermath of the resignation of two top officials from the government, China today assured the international community that it would strictly implement the 'one country, two systems' formula in the former British colony. "The Chinese government has clearly sent a message to the international community that the Central government is going to continue to adopt the 'one country, two systems' and 'Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong'," foreign ministry spokesman Kong Quan told reporters.

He said Beijing would strictly adhere to the basic law (mini constitution) of Hong Kong and rule the territory in accordance with the one country, two systems formula that has ensured stability in Hong Kong ever since the special administrative region returned to Chinese sovereignty six years ago on July 1, 1997. Kong said there were only a few people in Hong Kong who were "instigating" separatists tendencies.

Expressing optimism over Hong Kong's future, he said that with the strong support from the Chinese mainland, the special administrative region of Hong Kong under the Chief Executive Tung Chee-Hwa would overcome the present problem.

He also declined to say whether Chinese leaders would discuss the Hong Kong issue with British Prime Minister Tony Blair who is scheduled to visit China from Sunday.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Chief Executive Tung Chee-Hwa said he will order more public consultations on an anti-subversion bill that has sparked protests. Bureau Report