John Lee meets new HK Liaison Office Director Zhou Ji

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu met with Zhou Ji, the new director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the city and the national security adviser to the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR, at Government House on Saturday.  

The two exchanged views on Hong Kong's social conditions, opportunities, challenges, and strategies to promote long-term prosperity and stability.  

Lee expressed gratitude for the central government's consistent support and commitment to Hong Kong's development, which has helped the city transition from stability to prosperity. He warmly welcomed Zhou to his new role, praising his extensive experience in regional governance and strategic policymaking.  

Zhou had previously served as a standing committee member of the Hubei Provincial Party Committee, as well as a standing committee member of the Henan Provincial Party Committee, deputy secretary of the provincial government, vice governor, and deputy party secretary. 

Since July 2023, Zhou has been serving as the Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council.  

Zhou has been participating in taking forward Hong Kong’s work under national development strategies and is well acquainted with the national policies on Hong Kong and actively promoted the implementation of the Central government's policies benefiting Hong Kong.

Zhou has also undertaken solid efforts to ensure the measures achieve optimal results, the government statement added.

He said he was fully confident that Zhou would lead the Liaison Office in continuing to support the HKSAR Government's governance in accordance with the law, working together to fully, faithfully, and resolutely implement the principles of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong," and a high degree of autonomy.  

Lee added that Hong Kong was in a period of economic transformation, and the government remained committed to innovation and reform. He pledged to guide the city in adapting to changes, exploring new growth areas, and seizing emerging opportunities.  

He expressed belief that under Zhou's leadership, the Liaison Office would continue to support the HKSAR government in law-based governance. Zhou's familiarity with Hong Kong affairs would further enhance the city's integration into national development, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area initiative, and the Belt and Road Initiative, allowing Hong Kong to both benefit from and contribute to these strategies.  

The meeting was conducted in a cordial and productive atmosphere, with both sides aligned in their goal to accelerate Hong Kong's path from stability to prosperity.