Top Beijing official urges Hong Kong youth to seize opportunities available, again stresses central government’s support for city

Xia Baolong, director of Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, visits West Kowloon Cultural District on second-to-last day of his trip and holds discussions with youngsters

He also tours Palace Museum, spending an hour browsing in two galleries filled with more than 400 exhibits, sources say

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Xia Baolong (second from right) visits the West Kowloon Cultural District with officials including city leader John Lee (right) and culture minister Kevin Yeung (left). Photo: Elson Li

Published: 11:13pm, 27 Feb 2024Updated: 2:28am, 28 Feb 2024

Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs spent the second-to-last day of his inspection tour urging young people to seize the opportunities available to them while also reaffirming the central government’s backing for the city in maintaining its unique edges.

Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, on Tuesday morning visited the West Kowloon Cultural District arts hub, where he held discussions with 30 to 40 youth representatives alongside Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, lawmaker for the sports, performing arts and culture sector, during a working lunch.

A second-year University of Hong Kong (HKU) finance student who attended the meeting said he was delighted to meet Xia, who leaves the city on Wednesday following a seven-day fact-finding mission.

“Director Xia encouraged us to work harder and grab different opportunities we have,” said Wu, who did not provide his full name.

“This opportunity was rare and exceptional, and I value it greatly. Director Xia showed interest in knowing more about the activities that Hong Kong’s youth take part in.”

Xia Baolong waves on his visit to the arts hub with other dignitaries. Photo: Elson Li

Among those attending the event with Xia were representatives from various youth groups, and participants of schemes for internships and exchanges in mainland China as well as the Strive and Rise Programme operated by the Hong Kong government.