Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Xia Baolong (second row, centre), accompanied by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (second row, right), and Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen (third row, centre), has morning tea with district personalities at a restaurant in Tseung Kwan O, where he learned about the situation of the local district and interacted and exchanged views with them on local livelihood issues, on Feb 24, 2024. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

Xia Baolong, the nation’s top official overseeing Hong Kong and Macao affairs, on Saturday heaped praise on Hong Kong’s district governance and the work of the district councils, particularly the district services and community care teams designed by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.

The care teams do have a positive effect on strengthening district work and in serving the public, he said.

Xia, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, was speaking on the third day of his weeklong inspection tour of the special administrative region.

Xia praised the new-term district councilors, who were selected under the city’s revamped electoral system, saying they’ve started their duties swiftly

He praised the new-term district councilors, who were selected under the city’s revamped electoral system, saying they’ve started their duties swiftly. Their effective work and dedicated services have earned trust and support from the public, creating a fresh atmosphere in district governance. 

This shows that the improved district councils’ electoral system and the city’s district governance framework are entirely correct and align with Hong Kong’s needs for governance and development.

READ MORE: Xia urges unity in HK's pursuit of development, prosperity

Urging district councilors to serve as a “bridge” between the SAR government and the community, Xia encouraged them to better explain policies to residents, and present the people’s views to government officials to promote good two-way communication.

He also hopes that district council members will fully support the chief executive and the SAR government in administering the city in accordance with the law, and firmly safeguard the principle of “one country, two systems”, as well as the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Xia Baolong (sixth left), accompanied by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (fifth left), and Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen(second left), has morning tea with district personalities at a restaurant in Tseung Kwan O, where he learned about the situation of the local district and interacted and exchanged views with them on local livelihood issues, on Feb 24, 2024. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

Xia began the day visiting a restaurant at a shopping mall in Tseung Kwan O in the morning, and had tea with Lee, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Mak Mei-kuen, as well as representatives of district organizations, community care teams, and residents.

Xia then met with 32 members of the Sai Kung District Council and, accompanied by Lee, lunched with district officers and councilors from all of the city’s 18 districts.

About a dozen district council members briefed Xia on their work, such as how they initiated the newly-elected councils, handled cases that were challenging, and communicated with the government in addressing and resolving problems.

ALSO READ: Central authorities keen to listen to Hong Kong voices, says Lee

At their meeting with Xia, the councilors pledged to improve communication between the government and residents, emphasizing their role as a bridge between them, Mak said. 

The HKMWO director listened attentively to the reports of the council members and acknowledged their efforts and contributions, she said. 

Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Xia Baolong (second left) attends a working lunch meeting with the chairmen of the 18 District Councils to interact with them and exchange views on district governance issues on Feb 24, 2024. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

Mak described Xia’s decision to meet with the councilors and residents on Saturday – the Lantern Festival that marks the end of the Lunar New Year holidays – as significant, symbolizing the central government’s profound care for district work in Hong Kong, the new-term district councils and the care teams. The SAR government will actively strengthen its communication with the public, she said. 

The newly-elected district council members took office last month after a revamp of district governance to return the councils to their vested consultative roles.

Christine Fong Kwok-shan – a Sai Kung District Council member who attended the meeting – said she was delighted with Xia’s visit to the Sai Kung District Council.

READ MORE: Xia Baolong kicks off 7-day Hong Kong inspection tour

She said the HKMWO chief also mentioned the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, national security and beefing up the city’s capitalism with its own unique characteristics. 

Xia expressed his hope that DC members could support the SAR government’s policies and help convey these policies to the public.

Fong vowed to collaborate with her colleagues in fostering closer links between the government and residents and supporting the administration’s governance.

Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Xia Baolong (center), accompanied by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (fourth left), visits the Lion Rock Park in Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, to take in an up-close view of the Lion Rock, which symbolizes the Hong Kong spirit of resilience and solidarity on Feb 24, 2024. Looking on is the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung (fourth right). (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

In the afternoon, accompanied by Lee, Xia visited Lion Rock Country Park - one of the best known parks located in the New Territories - where he was briefed by Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung on the latest developments at the huge recreation ground. In the evening, Xia attended a dinner at Government House in Central.