On Tuesday, President Xi Jinping met separately in Beijing with Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, hearing reports on the current situations in Hong Kong and Macao as well as their governments' work. Xi fully recognized the efforts of both SAR governments and stressed the need to resolutely implement the 'one country, two systems' principle while aligning with the national 15th Five-Year Plan to better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.
On Tuesday, December 17, President Xi Jinping held separate meetings in Beijing with John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Sam Hou Fai, Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Both leaders were on official duty visits to the capital.
During the meeting with Lee, Xi heard a report on Hong Kong's current situation and the work of the HKSAR government. He stated that the central authorities fully recognize the efforts of Lee and the HKSAR government. Under Lee's leadership, the government has diligently performed its duties and steadfastly upheld national sovereignty, security, and development interests. It successfully conducted the election for the eighth-term Legislative Council and achieved steady economic growth, marking new progress in governance and prosperity.
Xi noted that the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China outlined strategic plans for economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). The session emphasized the unwavering implementation of the 'one country, two systems' principle, 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong,' and a high degree of autonomy to ensure Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability. He urged the HKSAR government to actively align with the 15th Five-Year Plan, uphold and improve the executive-led system, promote high-quality economic development, and deepen involvement in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to better integrate into and serve national development.
In the meeting with Sam, Xi received a report on Macao's current situation and the MSAR government's work. The central authorities fully recognize Sam's and the MSAR government's contributions. Sam's new administration has been enterprising and pragmatic, resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests. It held the election for the eighth Legislative Assembly, advanced public administration reforms, and actively participated in Greater Bay Area development, achieving notable progress.
Xi stressed the need to unwaveringly implement 'one country, two systems,' 'Macao people administering Macao,' and a high degree of autonomy to promote Macao's long-term prosperity and stability. He encouraged the MSAR government to align with the 15th Five-Year Plan, strengthen the executive-led system, advance appropriate economic diversification, and enhance governance effectiveness.
Li Qiang, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Ganjie, Chen Wenqing, Xia Baolong, and other officials attended the meetings.
