SARs urged to seize opportunities

President pledges full support for Hong Kong, Macao administrations

President Xi Jinping pledged full support on Monday to the chief executives of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in uniting and leading the various sectors of both regions to seize the "historic opportunities" from the nation's development.

The president underlined Beijing's unwavering and long-term commitment to "one country, two systems" while meeting separately with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR John Lee Ka-chiu and Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Ho Iat-seng at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing.

Lee and Ho are on special visits to the capital to report on the two region's latest economic, social and political situation and the work of the two governments.

Xi told Lee, who is on his second duty visit to Beijing after taking office in July 2022, that the central government will implement the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" across the board.

He extended full support to Lee and his government in consolidating the status of Hong Kong as a global financial, shipping and trade center and enabling the SAR to achieve better development.

Xi expressed the belief that the vitality and strength from "one country, two systems" will continue to emerge, saying that Beijing has full confidence in the bright future of Hong Kong.

The president gave full recognition to Lee's work and the work of the SAR government over the past year, saying that they have firmly safeguarded national security, reshaped the District Council system, successfully completed the District Council election, and facilitated the city's emergence from the pandemic and toward overall recovery.

The city has maintained its unique position and advantages, and built up its momentum for development, while addressing the urgent concerns of the general public, he said.

In doing so, the SAR government has consolidated the city's overall turnaround from chaos to stability, promoting its progress from stability to prosperity, he added.