President Xi Jinping on Wednesday reaffirmed the central government’s unwavering support for the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions’ integration into national development, as well as their long-term prosperity and stability.

In his 2026 New Year’s message delivered on Wednesday evening, Xi recalled attending the opening ceremony of the 15th National Games in Guangzhou in November — the first time the event was cohosted by Guangdong province, Hong Kong, and Macao.

“I was glad to see Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao coming together in unity and acting in unison,” Xi said.

He said that the nation will unswervingly implement the “one country, two systems” principle, and continue to support Hong Kong and Macao in better integrating into the overall development of the country and maintaining long-term prosperity and stability.

In his near 10-minute address, Xi also reflected on the achievements of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), and looked ahead to promoting high-quality development during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period.

In their separate New Year’s messages, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai both highlighted the steady progress made by their cities over the past year under the strong support of the central government. They also pledged to align local development strategies closely with the goals of the 15th Five-Year Plan.