President Hu Jintao last night expressed Beijing's contentment at Hong Kong's development, saying the city is 'full of vibrancy'.
The affirmative remarks from the state leader came ahead of his visit to Hong Kong tomorrow to mark the 10th anniversary of the return to Chinese rule.
Mr Hu was speaking as he visited an exhibition on the success of the handover at the Capital Museum in Beijing, which drew a strong show of state leaders, including Premier Wen Jiabao and Vice-President Zeng Qinghong , state councillors and ministers.
The president said the exhibition showcased 'how Hong Kong came through an extraordinary path in the 10 years since the handover and achieved proud results'.
'I firmly believe that with the united efforts and hard work of the Hong Kong compatriots, and with the motherland as a strong back-up, Hong Kong will have an even brighter future,' he told Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, who gave guided tours to state officials who visited the exhibition in batches.
Noting the economic improvements and gradual progress on the democracy front, Mr Hu said: 'Hong Kong is full of vibrancy now. We are very happy about it.'
State leaders were out in force at the exhibition, with some heaping praise on the city's achievements.