China’s Xi praises Hong Kong leader for ‘protecting national security’
Chinese President Xi Jinping has praised Hong Kong leader John Lee for reviving the local economy and safeguarding national security, while Premier Li Keqiang has called for better coordination in reopening the city’s border with the mainland.
According to the South China Morning Post, Xi Lee said the city was on “the right path” when the two met in Beijing on Friday.
“Under your leadership, the new government has shown commitment, made contributions to steadfastly upholding national security and restored vitality to the economy. They have also responded to public concerns,” Xi said, according to the SCMP.
Meanwhile, Li urged officials to expedite coordination for a “gradual” return to normal people movements between the mainland and the Hong Kong border during a meeting with Lee on Thursday, state radio reported on Friday.
This is Lee’s first official visit to Beijing since taking office on July 1, where he briefed China’s leaders on social, political and economic issues in the city. It is being closely monitored when the central government will reopen the border with Hong Kong. He is expected to return on Saturday afternoon and speak to the media about his trip, the SCMP reported.
The border between Hong Kong and mainland China has been virtually closed for nearly three years. Currently, visitors from Hong Kong are limited by a daily quota while also undergoing a five-day hotel quarantine. Mainland visitors must self-quarantine on their return. Most Hong Kong border checkpoints have been closed since early 2020.
The ruling Communist Party is quickly scrambling to resume normal economic activity while dismantling the last remnants of Covid Zero. China plans to cut quarantine requirements for overseas travelers in January, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.
Hong Kong could see an estimated 7.6% increase in its gross domestic product as China reopens, according to economists at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. The local economy is expected to have contracted this year for the third time in four years. The city hosted nearly 44 million arrivals from mainland China in 2019.
Li previously told Lee the city must further integrate with the mainland’s development plans and solidify its role as an international hub.
Xi last spoke publicly on Hong Kong issues when he visited the city in mid-year to mark the 25th anniversary of the former British colony’s return to Chinese sovereignty. Xi then urged Hong Kong to focus on supporting its economy.
Lee, a former senior police official and security minister, was appointed by China to head the city for the next five years in May after an uncontested election by a panel of Beijing loyalists. He succeeded former chief executive Carrie Lam, whose only tenure was marred by mass protests and fears over the government’s Covid policies.
— With the support of Qi Ding and Foster Wong
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