Why did Beijing pick ex-assistant foreign minister Nong Rong for Hong Kong affairs agency? Analysts say move rooted in geopolitical tensions

Veteran China watchers also say former diplomat’s move to Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office may be used to cultivate ties with Middle East, Central Asian countries

State Council announced Nong’s appointment as deputy director as he joined office head on fact-finding tour of Hong Kong

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Analysts say Nong Rong’s diplomatic background may prove useful as Hong Kong contends with deteriorating ties with the West. Photo: X/Nong Rong

Published: 11:01am, 24 Feb 2024Updated: 4:19pm, 24 Feb 2024

Beijing’s decision to appoint a former assistant foreign minister to help lead its office overseeing Hong Kong affairs is partly due to the geopolitical “hostilities” that the city is battling, according to analysts.

China watchers said the central government could expect Nong Rong, a former assistant minister of foreign affairs, to help the city cultivate ties with the Middle East and Central Asian countries in his new role as deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO).

The country’s State Council, which enacts policy and presides over all government departments, announced its decision on Friday as Nong joined office director Xia Baolong on his fact-finding visit to Hong Kong.

Nong, 56, previously served as the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan between 2020 and 2023.

Lau Siu-kai, a consultant for Beijing’s semi-official think tank, the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, said Nong’s diplomatic background could prove useful as Hong Kong’s relations with the United States, Britain and the European Union had deteriorated in recent years.

Tensions between the city and the West escalated after Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong in 2020 in response to months-long anti-government protests the year before.

“Having someone who understands the international situation and the challenges Hong Kong faces in the HKMAO will definitely be helpful,” Lau said.

Nong Rong (centre), deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), arriving at Hong Kong government headquarters in Admiralty. Photo: Yik Yeung-man