Xi fully affirms John Lee and SAR govt’s work, praises firm safeguarding of national sovereignty and successful LegCo election

President Xi Jinping on Tuesday expressed full affirmation of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and the work of the HKSAR government, while offering condolences to the victims and a fallen firefighter in the Tai Po fire, during a meeting with Lee in Beijing.

Xi said Lee had conscientiously fulfilled his duties and shown courage in taking responsibility, leading the HKSAR government in a proactive and enterprising manner.

He said the administration had firmly safeguarded national sovereignty, security, and development interests, successfully conducted the eighth-term Legislative Council election, and actively integrated Hong Kong into the overall national development strategy.

These efforts, Xi said, had contributed to steady economic growth and marked new progress in Hong Kong’s transition “from stability to prosperity.”

Lee said he briefed Xi on four key areas of work, with the Legislative Council election held earlier this month being the first item in his report.

Xi also addressed the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, describing the incident as distressing. He again expressed condolences to the deceased and to the firefighter who died in the line of duty, and extended sympathies to their families and other affected residents.

Meanwhile, Xi said the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China had set out top-level design and strategic planning for economic and social development during the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period.

He stressed the need to unwaveringly implement the principles of “one country, two systems,” “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong,” and a high degree of autonomy, so as to promote Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.

Xi expressed hope that Lee and the HKSAR government would proactively align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan and push forward Hong Kong’s development.

Lee, in response, said he would continue to uphold the “one country, two systems” principle, firmly safeguard national security, and promote a results-oriented governance culture while deepening reforms, developing the economy, and improving people’s livelihoods.

He said that with joint efforts by the government and society, the economy has continued to grow, and public finances are expected to turn from deficit to surplus this year. He added that Hong Kong’s rising international rankings reflect steady progress and growing confidence from the international community.

Referring to the Tai Po fire, Lee said the tragedy had dealt a heavy blow to society and thanked Xi for his concern and condolences. He said Xi had instructed the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council to coordinate relevant departments in supporting the city’s rescue and relief work. Lee added that mainland provinces and cities, enterprises, and compatriots at home and abroad had provided assistance, condolences, and donations.

Lee said the relief fund established by the HKSAR government has raised HK$3.4 billion so far. He and the people of Hong Kong were deeply grateful for the spirit of solidarity embodied in the saying “when one place suffers, help comes from all sides,” and pledged that the government would make every effort to carry out post-disaster support and reconstruction work.

He also noted that the Legislative Council election held on December 7 was successfully completed, with the public broadly supporting the government’s determination to advance post-disaster recovery and reforms.