Future bright if HK avoids chaos - liaison head

Hong Kong will see a bright future as long as it stays on track, says new Liaison Office director Zheng Yanxiong, who also vows to act as a bridge between the city and Beijing.

Zheng, 59, was appointed Beijing's top representative in Hong Kong on the weekend with immediate effect, replacing 68-year-old Luo Huining who headed the office since January 2020.

Zheng, born in 1963 in Shantou, Guangdong, was the director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong before his promotion.

Speaking to journalists on his first day at work outside the Liaison Office building in Sai Ying Pun yesterday, Zheng vowed to become a director who "understands and loves Hong Kong and strives for the best for Hong Kong." He said his appointment is part of a regular succession arrangement by the central government based on needs.

Zheng said he appreciated the trust bestowed by President Xi Jinping and the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party and thanked Luo's hard work in the past three years.

He said he has a great affection for Hong Kong as he had worked in Guangdong "long enough to witnessed the city's development, which is closely related to Guangdong."

And his understanding of the city has "deepened" after working in Hong Kong since July 2020 as director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security.

"President Xi Jinping has said Hong Kong has a great future with a splendid view. My understanding is, Hong Kong has incomparable conditions for success in terms of timing, geographical location and human resources," Zheng added.

"As long as it does not throw itself into chaos and it stays on the right track, it will definitely have a bright future."

Zheng said he understands the responsibilities and mission, and he will try his best to better connect Hong Kong and the mainland, delivering Beijing's concerns, and reflecting the views of Hongkongers.

"In Hong Kong, I will speak more of Beijing's words. In Beijing, I will speak more of Hong Kong's words," he said.

Zheng said he is confident that under the leadership of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, the government, and efforts from various sectors, Hong Kong will continue to consolidate and boost the momentum toward prosperity where people will enjoy a better life. He said despite his personal limitations, there is no limit to fulfill his responsibilities to the central government, and serving Hong Kong.

On Sunday Zheng delivered his Lunar New Year message, calling on Hongkongers to seize the opportunities of Chinese-style modernization to boost the city's prosperity.

Hong Kong has to actively participate in exchange and cooperation with the world, especially since borders have been reopened with China, he added.

sophie.hui@singtaonewscorp.com