Patriots, university leaders greet Beijing's top man

Xia Baolong, Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, yesterday met patriotic groups dedicated to the nation and Hong Kong, as well as with representatives of higher education institutions.

He also visited local cultural and tourism spots.

In the morning, Xia along with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen, met patriots from political and community groups. They included Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, chairwoman of the New People's Party; Gary Chan Hak-kan, chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong; Lo Waikwok, chairman of the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong; and Kenneth Lau Ip-keung, chairman of the Heung Yee Kuk.

In the afternoon, Xia, accompanied by Lee and Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin, met representatives of Hong Kong’s major higher education institutions, including chairmen of university councils and university presidents. Among those in attendance were Lui Tim-leung, chairman of the University Grants Committee; Hong Kong University president Zhang Xiang and HKU Council chairman Peter Wong Tung-shun; Chinese University of Hong Kong president Dennis Lo Yuk-ming; Hong Kong University of Science and Technology president Nancy Ip Yuk-yu; Hong Kong Baptist University president Alexander Wai Ping-kong; Hong Kong Polytechnic University president Teng Jinguang; City University of Hong Kong president Freddy Boey; and Education University of Hong Kong president John Lee Chi-Kin, alongside its council chairman David Wong Yau-kar.

Xia then visited the Kai Tak Sports Park with Lee, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki; and Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, touring Kai Tak Stadium and the Kai Tak Gallery.

Xia arrived in Hong Kong yesterday and was received at Government House by Lee and other senior officials. In remarks during the meeting, Xia praised Lee and his administration for upholding national sovereignty and security, adhering to the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong,” and focusing on economic development and improving livelihoods