Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said on Friday that he will not seek re-election next year, due to family reasons.

Leung told reporters that his decision to not seek a second term was understood by the central government.

Leung, who has served as the city's leader since 2012, emphasized that the central government has been very supportive of his work over the years.

He said he must balance his responsibilities to the Hong Kong community with those for his family, adding that he also must prevent his family from facing the pressures that would come with campaigning if he ran for a second term in March.

Leung said he will focus on his work as the chief executive in the next six months, including delivering his last policy address.

He thanked those who have given him support to run for a second term, adding that he will support whoever wins the election as the next chief executive.

In a statement that followed, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council - Beijing's top Hong Kong affairs authority - said it respects Leung's decision.

A spokesman said the office expressed deep regret and recognized Leung's work as the chief executive and his firm implementation of the One Country, Two Systems policy and the Basic Law.

The spokesman also praised Leung's efforts in improving Hong Kong's economy and people's livelihoods, adding that the office hoped Leung will continue his good work during the rest of his term.

In another statement, the central government's Liaison Office in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region said it respects Leung's decision. It recognized his work, especially during the 79-day illegal "Occupy Central" movement, as well as the SAR government's efforts to promote electoral reform and combat "pro-independence" activities in Hong Kong.

Before taking the top job, Leung was secretary-general of the then Hong Kong Basic Law Consultative Committee from 1988 to 1990 and a member of the Executive Council from 1997 to 2011.

luisliu@chinadailyhk.com