President Xi Jinping (right) meets with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee Ka-chiu, who is on a duty visit to Beijing, capital of China, Dec 18, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
President Xi Jinping pledged full support on Monday to the chief executives of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in uniting and leading the various sectors of both regions to seize the "historic opportunities "from the nation's development.
The president underlined Beijing's unwavering and long-term commitment to "one country, two systems" while meeting separately with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR John Lee Ka-chiu and Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Ho Iat-seng at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing.
Lee said the meeting fully reflected how important the central government views the city, and how much the central government cares for the special administrative region
Lee and Ho are on special visits to the capital to report on the two region's latest economic, social and political situation and the work of the two governments.
Xi told Lee, who is on his second duty visit to Beijing after taking office in July 2022, that the central government will implement the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" across the board.
He extended full support to Lee and his government in consolidating the status of Hong Kong as a global financial, shipping and trade center and enabling the SAR to achieve better development.
Xi expressed the belief that the vitality and strength from "one country, two systems" will continue to emerge, saying that Beijing has full confidence in the bright future of Hong Kong.
President Xi Jinping (right) meets with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee Ka-chiu, who is on a duty visit to Beijing, capital of China, Dec 18, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
The president gave full recognition to Lee's work and the work of the SAR government over the past year, saying that they have firmly safeguarded national security, reshaped the District Council system, successfully completed the District Council election, and facilitated the city's emergence from the pandemic and toward overall recovery.
The city has maintained its unique position and advantages, and built up its momentum for development, while addressing the urgent concerns of the general public, he said.
In doing so, the SAR government has consolidated the city's overall turnaround from chaos to stability, promoting its progress from stability to prosperity, he added.
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President Xi Jinping (right) meets with Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region Ho Iat-seng, who is on a duty visit to Beijing, capital of China, Dec 18, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
The SAR government announced on its website on Monday that the city's GDP increased by 4.1 percent year-on-year in real terms in the third quarter of 2023, compared with a 1.5 percent increase in the second quarter of 2023.
In his 2023 policy address, Lee outlined steps to reinforce Hong Kong's status as an international financial center, including steps to enhance stock market liquidity, expand offshore renminbi business, deepen collaboration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and venture into green finance.
Hong Kong successfully conducted its seventh District Council Ordinary Election, the first of its kind since the SAR reformed its District Council system, on Dec 10.
Speaking to the media on Monday evening, Lee expressed gratitude for Xi’s affirmation of the chief executive’s work, saying Xi reiterated during the meeting that “one country, two systems” will be upheld in the long term.
Hong Kong’s economic revival, the restoration of its social stability, the successful implementation of its district council elections, the achievements made in attracting talent and enterprises, and the city’s goal to complete the local legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law were among the key highlights in Lee’s report to Xi.
Lee said the meeting fully reflected how important the central government views the city, and how much the central government cares for the special administrative region.
President Xi Jinping (right) meets with Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region Ho Iat-seng, who is on a duty visit to Beijing, capital of China, Dec 18, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Xi also gave full recognition to the work of Ho Iat-seng and the Macao SAR government on Monday, commending their efforts in amending the SAR's national security law and strengthening the lawful management of the gaming industry.
He praised the SAR government for coming up with its first systematic plan to diversify its economy, continuously expanding its international exchanges and maintaining social harmony and stability.
The president reaffirmed the nation's commitment to comprehensively implement the principle of "patriots administering Macao".
Beijing will extend full support to Ho and his government in continuously advancing the successful practice of "one country, two systems "with Macao characteristics and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland next year with new outcomes of development, the president said.
In a statement late on Monday, Ho expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Xi and the central government for their continuous care and support for the Macao SAR and its compatriots.
The chief executive said Xi’s important instructions have further indicated the direction for the development of the Macao SAR. The Macao SAR government will unite and lead all sectors of the community to earnestly study and implement the spirit of Xi’s instructions, making greater efforts to resolutely safeguard national security and social stability, diversify the economy and improve people’s livelihoods.
He said the city will use next year’s celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR to showcase the achievements of and prospects for “one country, two systems” and strengthen international confidence in the city.
