#Xi Jinping #Hong Kong #HKSAR

Xi Jinping's Support for Hong Kong's Economic Development

On December 13, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), John Lee, in Beijing. This meeting was centered around Hong Kong's alignment with national strategies and the pursuit of new economic opportunities. Xi reiterated the central government’s unwavering support for Hong Kong’s development, emphasizing the necessity for strong leadership and reform to ensure prosperity through innovation.

During this critical meeting, President Xi acknowledged the evolving challenges and opportunities that Hong Kong faces. He expressed the importance of implementing the “one country, two systems” policy effectively, which serves as a framework for Hong Kong's governance while allowing it to maintain a degree of autonomy. Xi's remarks serve to reassure Hong Kong's leadership and community about the central authorities' commitment to the region's stability and development.

A Year of Accomplishments

As part of his briefing, Lee highlighted the significant legislative achievements of the past year, particularly the completion of historic legislation under Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law. This development is seen as a pivotal moment in solidifying the responsibilities of the HKSAR towards the central government, marking a transition from abstract political principles to practical governance measures.

Critically, Xi commended the HKSAR government for effectively managing various socio-economic challenges, including housing and healthcare issues. Under Lee’s leadership, the government has made strides in boosting economic development and addressing livelihood problems. The ongoing efforts have not only stabilized the region but have also enhanced Hong Kong’s international stature.

Fan Peng, a researcher from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, remarked that the recent legislation embodies a historic mission. He noted that it internalizes accountability to the central government within Hong Kong’s governance framework, which aligns with the principles of