Xia Baolong to participate in NSL anniversary, meet university heads in HK visit starting Wed

Xia Baolong, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, began his Hong Kong visit this afternoon (Jun 18) and attended the welcome dinner at Government House tonight.

Xia arrived in the city via the Shenzhen Bay Port after 4 pm and was driven to Borrett Road, where he will stay at an apartment near the Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong during his visit.

He attended the welcome dinner at Government House at around 6.30pm.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced Xia's five-day visit yesterday (June 17), during which Xia will participate in the "5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law Forum" on Saturday (Jun 21) and inspect the city's economic and social development.

Xia is expected to conclude his third visit to Hong Kong on Sunday (Jun 22).

Reports indicate that Xia will meet with the presidents of eight universities and senior educators at the Central Government Offices on Thursday (Jun 19) to gain insights into Hong Kong's educational landscape.

As the city is developing the Northern Metropolis, which aims to transform an area of 30,000 hectares into a new international technology hub and residential area, it is believed that Xia will visit the area and engage with the community.

Owing to Xia's instructions to promote the concept of "tourism everywhere", sources also suggested that part of his itinerary will include visiting the six pandas at Ocean Park and the latest developments at Kai Tak Sports Park.

(Updated at 7.50pm)