Chinese President Xi Jinping intends to retain the "one country, two systems" policy in Hong Kong, but implied that the central government would play a bigger role in the region's affairs, according to the South China Morning Post.

Speaking before the city's top entrepreneurs and professionals on Monday, Xi reiterated that China's policies in Hong Kong would not change, citing strict implementation of adherence to the Basic Law and the principle of "one country, two systems."

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To achieve this, existing policies must be scrutinized and molded in a way to fit the specific needs of both China and Hong Kong. Through this, Hong Kong's democracy will be promoted and its stability and prosperity preserved, he added.

But Xi underscored that Beijing's government would play a key role in the situation.

With the help of the Chinese government and its chief executive, Hong Kong will continue to prosper and grow, he said.

It must be noted that while Xi cited the Basic Law and "one country, two systems" principle to facilitate Hong Kong's democracy, he did not mention that Hong Kong would rule itself or the phrase "high degree of autonomy" which is contained in the above-mentioned law.

"The omission would not be accidental," said Chung Kim Wah of Polytechnic University.

Chairwoman of the Democratic Party Emily Lau Wai Hing said the fact that Xi did not mention "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong" may suggest China's shift in interest toward the principles it had strictly adhered to in the past.

But Chinese Association of Hong Kong Vice Chairman Lau Siu Kai said there is no need to overreact. Xi said the policies would be retained and "we should take his word for it," Lau said.

Later in the event, Xi pledged to back initiatives to eliminate social disorder in Hong Kong, referring to the pro-democracy demonstration to be held on Oct. 1 which observers said could shut down the city's financial sector.

Tagsoccupy central, One Country Two Systems, pro-democracy rally, Hong Kong