BEIJING, Dec 23, (Asia Free Press): Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam, who is on a duty visit to Beijing, according to local media.
Xi discussed Hong Kong’s current situation and the HKSAR government’s work during the meeting.
Over the past year, Hong Kong has consolidated its achievements in restoring order, and the situation has constantly improved; President Xi added that the region had achieved notable results in COVID-19 response, steadily recovered its economy, and maintained social stability.
“Lam has led the HKSAR government in making systematic changes and improvements to Hong Kong’s electoral system according to relevant decision of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and relevant legislation of the NPC Standing Committee,” the Chinese President added.
Xi also claimed that “Lam has also led the HKSAR government in successfully holding elections of the Election Committee and the Legislative Council (LegCo), resolutely implementing the Hong Kong national security law, and taking active measures to promote the HKSAR’s integration into the overall development of the country and comprehensively deepen its exchanges and cooperation with the mainland.”
Noting that “one country, two systems” is conducive to safeguarding the country’s fundamental interests, the HKSAR and Hong Kong compatriots, Xi said while adding the central authorities will continue to unswervingly implement the “one country, two systems” principle.
“The central authorities fully acknowledge the work of Lam and the HKSAR government,” Xi further claimed.
Senior officials including Han Zheng, Ding Xuexiang, Guo Shengkun, You Quan, Wang Yi, and Xia Baolong also attended the meeting, Xinhua reported.