A state leader who chairs the nation's top political advisory body will visit Hong Kong at the end of next month for activities celebrating the ninth anniversary of the handover.
Government sources said yesterday Jia Qinglin, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), was expected to be the top guest attending a ceremony on July 1 to mark the anniversary.
Mr Jia is likely to start his trip, which will last for several days, at the end of next month. He is expected to reiterate the central government's support for Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen and its backing for further development of Hong Kong's economy.
It will be the first official visit to the city by Mr Jia, who ranks fourth in the Politburo, since he became chairman of the CPPCC in 2003.
He is likely to meet business and political leaders during his tour. Detailed schedules for the trip are still being worked out.
A government spokesman said there would be a formal announcement of any visits to Hong Kong by national leaders.