BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday voiced support to Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his government's efforts to safeguard the rule of law and maintain social order in Hong Kong.

Xi made the remarks while meeting with Leung, who is in Beijing to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting slated for Nov 10-11.

The central government "fully affirms and supports" the efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) chief executive and the HKSAR government to govern in line with law, especially their great deal of work to safeguard the authority of rule of law and maintain social order, Xi said.

The rule of law is a key foundation for Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity, Xi said.

China has adopted a key blueprint to advance the rule of law in a comprehensive way, which includes the legal implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" policies, the president said.

The central government will also maintain the long-term stability and prosperity in Hong Kong and Macao and protect the interests of the people there in line with law, he said.

The blueprint is a major step forward for China's drive to modernize its governance and improve the capacity of governing, and it is also of great significance to the complete and precise implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" principle and the Basic Law, he said.

The president stressed that the central government will continue to be committed to the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and the Basic Law, firmly support Hong Kong in developing democracy in line with law, and endeavor to maintain the region's long-term stability and prosperity.

The central government expects all circles in Hong Kong can, with the leadership of Leung and the HKSAR government, seize the historic opportunity to realize universal suffrage according to law and keep a stable, peaceful social environment for the citizens, thus together writing a new chapter in Hong Kong's democratic development, Xi said.