Hong Kong ushers in the New Year with a 12-minute fireworks display in Victoria Harbour on Jan 1, 2024. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday pledged continuous support for Hong Kong and Macao in securing their long-term prosperity and stability.

In his 2024 New Year message, Xi said China will continue to support the two special administrative regions in harnessing their distinctive strengths and better integrating themselves into China's overall development.