Focus on solving ‘immediate, prominent and urgent problems’, top Beijing official says to new Hong Kong government
- Xia Baolong, director of State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, addresses seminar in Beijing on President Xi Jinping’s July 1 speech in city
- ‘We must resolutely clamp down on all anti-China forces that destabilise Hong Kong and Macau,’ he says
A top Beijing official overseeing Hong Kong affairs has urged the new government to live up to people’s expectations and focus on solving the most “immediate, prominent and urgent problems”, while warning residents to remain vigilant against anti-China forces seeking to destabilise the city.
“We must resolutely clamp down on all anti-China forces that destabilise Hong Kong and Macau and leave no crack in the process,” Xia said. “We must resolutely launch struggles against external forces in the United States and the West.”
The president set out his vision for Hong Kong’s future direction in the clearest terms yet and listed his “four expectations” for the new administration, telling officials to improve governance, strengthen the momentum of development, solve deep-seated livelihood issues and ensure harmony as the city “cannot afford any chaos”.
Xia said the president’s speech provided “a strong, practical guiding role for good governance in the city” and the local government should change its concept of administration. It had to improve its governing style, strengthen foundations and establish an administration that could lead Hong Kong and Macau to fully develop and be able to do “practical things” for the public.
“The government must effectively respond to the expectations of the people, and focus on solutions that can alleviate difficulties facing the public,” he said.
Xia cited Xi’s “full support” for the development in Hong Kong, saying it was a “big gift package” from the central government which empowered the city to enhance efficiency and fully meet the actual needs of its long-term development.
Xi earlier mentioned central authorities’ full support for the city to align with national strategies, such as the 14th five-year plan, and develop more extensive exchanges and cooperation with the world, as well as unleash the creativity and vitality of society.