Full coverage: 2017 NPC & CPPCC Sessions

BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Leung Chun-ying, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), was elected Monday vice chairman of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Leung Chun-ying walks to the rostrum after being elected vice chairman of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the closing meeting of the fifth session of the 12th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2017. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

He was elected at the closing meeting of the annual session of the top political advisory body.

Jonathan Choi Koon-shun, a CPPCC National Committee member from Hong Kong, said the election result is well-deserved for Leung, who has implemented the "one country, two systems" principle and the Basic Law of the HKSAR in a comprehensive and faithful manner since he assumed office as the chief executive.

In dealing with the illegal "Occupy Central" movement, opposing "Hong Kong Independence" and addressing other major issues, he has been firm in stance and resolute in action, effectively safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as Hong Kong's overall interests, Choi said.

"Leung's achievements are there for all to see," he added.

Leung has made important contribution to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, said Annie Wu Suk-ching, also a CPPCC National Committee member from Hong Kong.

Wu cited Leung's efforts to integrate Hong Kong's development into the country's economic and social development plan for the 2016-2020 period and the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as his proposal that Hong Kong take advantage of its role as a "super link" connecting the mainland and the world to board the country's express train of development.

As the vice chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Leung could serve the country and Hong Kong at a higher level, and would surely perform his duties well, said Stephen Tai Tak Fung, a CPPCC National Committee member from Hong Kong.

Leung was elected chief executive of HKSAR in March 2012 and took office on July 1 the same year. This year, Hong Kong will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its return to the motherland and a new chief executive will be elected.

Leung announced late last year that he would not seek re-election in 2017 due to family reasons. His term ends on June 30 this year.