By South China Morning Post | Created at 2024-12-19 12:31:43 | Updated at 2024-12-19 15:08:59
2 hours ago
Chinese President Xi Jinping has met Hong Kong’s leader for the second time in a week, telling him the country has “very high expectations” of the city and urging officials to go “all out” to boost the economy.
The pair spoke at a closed-door meeting on Thursday afternoon in Macau, as Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu joined Xi on the second day of his visit to the casino hub for celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of its return to Chinese administration.
“The country has very high expectations of Hong Kong. [I] hope Lee and the administration will govern firmly and steadily, make all out efforts to boost the economy and strive for development and create a brighter future for Hong Kong,” Xi said, according to state news agency Xinhua.
Xi also reportedly told Lee that Hong Kong and Macau should “learn from each other” and “strengthen exchanges and cooperation”, as the implementation of the “one country, two systems” governing principle entered a new stage.
Lee voiced his gratitude to Xi and pledged to lead the city’s push to develop the economy, improve livelihoods and integrate further into the Greater Bay Area.
