Beijing official Xia Baolong set to bow out amid reshuffle of mainland China’s advisory body, as Hong Kong professionals win delegate roles
- Impending retirement of key Beijing official in charge of Hong Kong’s affairs follows replacement of liaison office chief
- Beijing also opts for new blood in reshuffle of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, with business leaders and academics trumping traditional politicians
A key Beijing official in charge of Hong Kong affairs is set to retire after he steps down as a vice-chairman for the country’s top political advisory body amid a major reshuffle which has elevated more local professionals to replace old political hands.
The impending retirement of Xia Baolong, director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), came after Luo Huining was replaced by Zheng Yanxiong last week as the head of Beijing’s liaison office in the city.
Xia and Luo were appointed to oversee Hong Kong affairs in early 2020 after anti-government protests erupted the year before.
Stanley Ng Chau-pei, president of the Federation of Trade Unions (FTU), on Wednesday said Xia’s departure from the advisory body was expected as he had held office for two years past the usual retirement age of 68.
Ng also praised Xia’s contributions over the past three years, which he said was Hong Kong’s most challenging period because of the social unrest.