President Xi Jinping’s recognition of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative region governments’ work has provided both cities with renewed confidence and clear directions to play a greater role in the nation’s overall development, local officials and political pundits said.

Xi made his remarks on Tuesday during separate meetings in Beijing with Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai. Lee and Sam are in the capital for their annual duty visits.

During the meeting, Lee briefed the president on Hong Kong’s latest economic, social, and political developments, as well as the government’s major policy initiatives.

Speaking to reporters afterward, Lee said Xi fully affirmed the SAR government’s efforts over the past year, particularly its work in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests. Xi also acknowledged the successful conclusion of the Legislative Council election, driving steady economic growth, improving people’s livelihoods and deepening integration into the nation’s development.

Lee said his report also covered the SAR government’s response to the Tai Po fire tragedy, including support provided for the victims and the launch of independent investigations into the incident.

“The president expressed his approval of these efforts and emphasized that they must continue to be implemented diligently. I am very grateful for his recognition and encouragement,” Lee said.

In social media posts, senior officials — including Chief Secretary for Administration Eric ChanKwok-ki, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok, and Legislative Council President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen — thanked Xi for his recognition of the SAR government’s work and his consistent care and support for Hong Kong.

They pledged to continue leveraging the advantages of “one country, two systems”, promote high-quality development, and contribute to the nation’s growth.

In a government statement, Macao Chief Executive Sam expressed gratitude for Xi’s support. He said the Macao SAR government will thoroughly implement Xi’s directives in planning for the coming year, with a focus on advancing Macao’s progress across all sectors.

Sam said that 2025 marked the first year of the sixth-term Macao SAR government’s administration, featuring efforts to unite society, and uphold the “one country, two systems” principle. He highlighted the successes of legislative elections, public administration reforms, and the cohosting of the 15th National Games with Guangdong and Hong Kong. Sam pledged to accelerate development in the Hengqin cooperation zone and to diversify Macao’s economy further in line with national strategies for the years ahead.

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Tam Yiu-chung, vice-chairman of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, a national think tank, expressed optimism that Hong Kong will benefit from the new five-year plan, which he expects to bring fresh opportunities for the city. “How to best achieve these visions (in the plan) will be a major focus of contemplation for all sectors of the city in the years to come,” Tam said.

Tam also underlined President Xi’s concern over the Tai Po tragedy, adding that the president’s remarks would help speed up recovery work and improve efficiency. 

Lau Siu-kai, a sociologist and consultant with the same think tank, said Xi’s remarks reflect the central leadership’s continued care for Hong Kong and confidence in its future.

He said he anticipates the upcoming Five-Year Plan will provide specific policy guidance for Hong Kong’s development, adding that the SAR government needs to devise a growth strategy that is aligned with that of the nation