Beijing’s liaison office calls on mainland Chinese agencies, businesses in Hong Kong to stand behind administration after high-level talks over Xi’s praise for Macau

Office issues statement declaring a ‘key moment’ to stop political crisis which has dragged on for months

It also reiterates Chinese president’s words last week at casino hub, praising residents for patriotism

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Chinese President Xi Jinping last week praised Macau’s people for their patriotism. Photo: Handout

Published: 11:30am, 25 Dec 2019Updated: 11:42am, 25 Dec 2019

Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong has called on mainland Chinese agencies and businesses in the city to support local authorities, declaring a “key moment for stopping violence and ending chaos” from the months-long anti-government protests.

The comments came after a high-level meeting on Monday over President Xi Jinping’s speech in Macau last week.

In a statement, the office said central government offices in Hong Kong and mainland Chinese businesses in the city should support the administration. “[Members at the] meeting stressed that the crisis over the extradition bill that has gone on for more than half a year has not ended.”

The talks were organised by liaison office director Wang Zhimin and also involved Cai Yongzhong, political commissar of the Hong Kong garrison of the People’s Liberation Army.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam attend a ceremony in Macau on December 20 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the casino hub’s return to China. Photo: Reuters

“[Agencies and firms] have to face the flaws and shortcomings of Hong Kong’s governing system and to support the SAR government’s efforts in resolving political, economic, educational and other deep-seated conflicts and problems accumulated in society,” the statement read.