Beijing official gives Hong Kong government 'four affirmations' after two-day visit

Hong Kong's leader John Lee announced that China's top official Xia Baolong concluded a two-day visit by giving "affirmations" and "recognitions" to the local government. Xia, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, offered praise for the city's work on its first five-year plan, national security, technological innovation, and economic development.

During the visit, Xia also highlighted the utilization of the Central Government-Aided Emergency Hospital, the Northern Metropolis project, and the Light Public Housing scheme for low-income families. A photo captured Xia giving Lee a thumbs-up at the Shenzhen Bay border checkpoint.

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four affirmations

This trip marked a shift in Xia's annual visits, as he did not stay overnight in Hong Kong. Instead, he resided in Shenzhen, a move local media, citing anonymous sources, suggested was aimed at promoting seamless infrastructure connectivity between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Xia began his annual visits in 2023 following the establishment of a new Hong Kong and Macau work office directly under the Chinese Communist Party.

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to promote the seamless connectivity of the infrastructure between Shenzhen and Hong Kong