Stability and prosperity

The Constitution also guarantees the city's long-term prosperity and stability, as well as the well-being of the Hong Kong residents, Wang said. If the constitutional order is disrupted causing chaos and mayhem, "the whole of society will have to pay a heavy price", he added.

The forum was particularly meaningful at this time, Wang said, as a small group of radicals in Hong Kong seriously undermined the "one country, two systems" principle and challenged the city's constitutional order during the past several months of violent protests.

The majority of Hong Kong residents have been distressed by these violent crimes since June, Wang said. He called on the residents to firmly support the SAR government in governing in accordance with the law, support the Hong Kong police in strictly enforcing the law and the Hong Kong judicial bodies in punishing violent criminals in accordance with the law.

A legal expert on China's top legislature told the SAR not to lose confidence in the "one country, two systems" principle.

Problems will be solved as long as the city faces up to its challenges, respects the Constitution and conducts constructive dialogues in legal and peaceful ways, said Han Dayuan, a member of the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee of the National People's Congress Standing Committee.