Who is Zhou Zhijun? Chinese agency warns about impostor claiming to be head of group which counts Hong Kong leader as member

National Development and Reform Commission says there is no such individual, and the Greater Bay Area leading group is headed by Chinese Vice-Premier Han Zheng

Character’s exploits reported in self-proclaimed media agency which was earlier sued by Phoenix Satellite TV

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Authorities are warning against reports of a bogus head of a development office for the Greater Bay Area. Photo: Martin Chan

Published: 2:49pm, 22 May 2021Updated: 11:53pm, 22 May 2021

China’s top economic planning agency has issued a public warning against an impostor claiming to be the head of a regional development office.

In a short statement on Friday, the National Development and Reform Commission said the culprit had used the name “Zhou Zhijun” and purported to be in charge of the Office of the Leading Group for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.

The group, which counts Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor as a member, was founded in 2018 and is currently headed by Chinese Vice-Premier Han Zheng.

The statement also said this person recently joined social activities under the title of “director of the GBA Construction and Investment Supervising Committee”.

“The [leading group] office has no staff named Zhou Zhijun; the office has never established an institution or organisation named ‘GBA Construction and Investment Supervising Committee’,” the statement said.

“It is hoped that relevant parties can increase their vigilance and avoid being deceived. If losses have been caused, please promptly report clues to the public security department.”