Vice Premier Ding meets CPPCC National Committee members and emphasizes national security for HK

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Wednesday met the Hong Kong and Macau members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing during the Two Sessions. He emphasizes the importance of the legislation of Article 23 as it reflects the "people's aspirations."

Ding, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also heads the Central Leading Group on Hong Kong and Macau Affairs.

The Vice Premier expressed the central government's satisfaction with the SARs' governance and acknowledged their efforts to promote economic development and improve citizens' livelihoods. 

Ding also highlighted the advantages of Hong Kong - such as the role as a super-connector - and stated the central government's unwavering confidence in the city's future.

Irons Sze Wing-wai, one of the delegates of CPPCC, said Ding expressed his full appreciation for the work of the Hong Kong government, particularly praising the efforts of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.

Ding also hoped the CPPCC National Committee members will continue to serve as bridges between the government and the public.

Sze remarked that Ding showed a deep understanding of Hong Kong's affairs and said Hong Kong plays an irreplaceable role in the country's development.

Former Chief Executive and vice chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Leung Chun-Ying, said Ding's participation in the joint meeting is a clear indication of the central government's high regard for the One Country, Two Systems principle and its genuine concern for the members of CPPCC from Hong Kong and Macau.