Xi urges HK leaders to support new executive

Leaders from all sectors of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region should promote social solidarity and support Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the incoming chief executive, and her administration in implementing policies, President Xi Jinping said on Friday.

Xi, meeting some 200 dignitaries from various sectors in Hong Kong, urged them to take the lead in promoting exchanges and cooperation between the SAR and the Chinese mainland.

Xi expressed appreciation to community leaders for their continuous contribution to the city and country. It was the second day of his three-day visit, marking the 20th anniversary of the region's return to China and the inauguration of the fifth-term government of the SAR.

Though the "one country, two systems" principle has been recognized as a success in the international community, Xi noticed new challenges and problems have emerged in practice. We should put things in perspective and analyze them rationally, Xi said.

He said he hoped people from all sectors would unite to find solutions. When difficulties are conquered, and problems solved, the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle will achieve progress, Xi said.

The central government stands firm on "one country, two systems", and for Hong Kong, the focus is not on whether the principle will change or not, but how to implement it comprehensively and accurately, Xi stressed.

Xi urged the leaders to support Lam and the SAR government in governing the city according to law, and called on them to act as a bridge between the government and people, facilitate economic development and help improve people's livelihood.

The president also called for those at the meeting to take leading roles in safeguarding unity, social harmony and stability, and in solving problems for young people.

Xi also met with the vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and first chief executive of the SAR, Tung Chee-hwa. Xi praised Tung for "blazing the trail" in implementing "one country, two systems". He said he hoped Tung would continue playing his positive role in the development of the country and Hong Kong.

Tung said he felt proud of the nation's progress in recent years under the Chinese leadership with Xi at its core. Tung said he is confident Hong Kong will maintain its prosperity and stability by implementing "one country, two systems".

The president also met the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region Fernando Chui Sai-on in Hong Kong. Xi praised Macao for fully implementing "one country, two systems" and safeguarding national security. He hoped Macao will diversify its development and consolidate its achievements.

Chui expressed his gratitude for the support from Xi and the central government to the Macao SAR. He vowed to seize opportunities brought by the country's development and serve its needs while improving the city's competitiveness.