Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday appointed Donald Tsang the third-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), with the term of office to start on July 1, 2007.

According to the Basic Law of the HKSAR, the chief executive is elected by the broadly representative Election Committee and then appointed by the Central People's Government, Wen explained at a plenum of the State Council, China's cabinet.

Tsang beat Alan Leon, his only contender, 649 to 123 in the chief executive election on March 25.

The election, conforming to the principle of openness, fairness and justice, fully tallied with the Basic Law and other relevant laws,” Wen said.

Tsang's victory in the election meets the Hong Kong people's expectations and reflects their trust in him, Wen said.

He spoke highly of Tsang's performance serving as the second-term HKSAR chief executive after his predecessor resigned due to health reasons in June 2005.

Tsang has led the local government in enhancing its governance capability, developing the economy and improving people's livelihood, and handling actively and properly various problems of public concern, Wen said.

His administration performance has been widely applauded by local people from all walks of life, he said.

The Central Government hopes that Tsang, in his new term, will make greater contributions to Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability,  thorough implementing the Basic Law and adhering to the principle of one country, two systems, under which Hong Kong people administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy, Wen noted.