Official: Delegates need to fight against external powers undermining HK
Xia Baolong (fourth from right), director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, talks with Hong Kong deputies to the National People’s Congress during a meeting on Monday, a day before the opening of the second session of the 14th NPC. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
Xia Baolong, the nation’s top official overseeing Hong Kong and Macao affairs, told Hong Kong deputies to the nation’s top legislature on Monday to be courageous in combating foreign interference and other challenges that threaten to undermine the city.
A day before the opening of the second session of the 14th National People’s Congress, Xia, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with the delegation of Hong Kong NPC deputies in Beijing, following a similar exchange with the nation’s top political advisers from the two special administrative regions.
During the meeting with Hong Kong NPC deputies, Xia expressed his hope for the city to complete the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, which has received a groundswell of support across the society, according to Ma Fung-kwok, head of the delegation.
READ MORE: NPC spokesperson affirms support for HK's Article 23
Xia cautioned the deputies about possible havoc being caused by external powers, and called for solidarity in fending off complex situations emerging, especially their impact on Hong Kong’s economy, Ma said.
Rock Chen Chung-nin, a Hong Kong NPC deputy, quoted Xia as saying that the central government values Hong Kong’s roles as an international financial center, shipping center, trade center, and innovation hub.
Xia also said that Hong Kong must maintain its internationalization, marketization, and adherence to the rule of law for continuous development, Chen added.
The official expressed satisfaction with his weeklong inspection tour of Hong Kong in late February, during which he met with various sectors of the community to gain a better understanding of the city’s development.
Xia affirmed the city’s efforts in improving district governance, alongside its economy, and people’s livelihoods. He called for the District Council members to play their roles fully in conveying the voices of the residents and fostering unity within society.
Another deputy, Nicholas Chan Hiu-fung, described Xia’s meeting and previous inspection tour as a morale booster for the city, showing his care for the city’s residents.
During the meeting, Xia asked the deputies to take good care of grassroots people by utilizing care teams, Chan revealed.
The Hong Kong deputy to the NPC Standing Committee, Starry Lee Wai-king, said that Xia encouraged Hong Kong deputies to fulfill their responsibilities better, which she believes will inspire their future work.
Lee expressed her confidence that with the support of the central government, Hong Kong society will unite closely and achieve greater results in economic development and in improving people’s livelihoods.
Several Hong Kong members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, who met with Xia on Sunday, expressed their appreciation for Xia’s inspection tour and support amid his busy schedule in Beijing.
ALSO READ: More favorable policies to follow Xia’s extensive fact-finding HK visit
CPPCC National Committee member Michael Lee Chun-keung highlighted Xia’s high expectations for the city to build on previous achievements and scale new heights.
Xia said that in the current complicated geopolitical environment, Hong Kong should not only focus on the economy and people’s livelihoods but also fight against external anti-China forces. As a local lawmaker, Michael Lee said he pledged to speak out when confronted with smears against the country and the city.
Another political adviser and business leader, Judith Yu, said she felt encouraged by the meeting with Xia. Yu said she hoped everyone, especially young people, will make bigger contributions to both Hong Kong and the country.
Contact the writers at
