Here I would like to stress that China supports Hong Kong’s commitment to the maintenance of the linked exchange rate system, which has served Hong Kong well by providing monetary stability since its introduction in 1983. Corresponding to the two currencies will be two monetary systems. They possess their own characteristics, reflecting the differences between the two economies.
The two monetary systems are of equal importance to China in its reform and liberalisation. One does not precede or be subsidiary to the other. They will operate in a mutually independent manner. The second principle relates to the relationship between the two monetary authorities.