President's widely welcomed visit 'reaffirms support'

Liaison Office chief recounts positive feedback from residents after Xi's tour

President Xi Jinping's visit to Hong Kong reaffirmed the central government's care and support for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and firm stance in maintaining the "one country, two systems" principle, which has been well-received among the city's people, the central government's top liaison official in the city concluded on Saturday.

Zhang Xiaoming, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, made the remarks at the airport as Xi finished his three-day tour marking the 20th anniversary of the city's return to China and inaugurating its fifth-term government.

The president attended 20 events during his 49-hour stay in Hong Kong, meeting with people from all walks of life. Zhang said the activities showed the special care and firm support by Xi and the central government for Hong Kong.

Zhang said he had received a great deal of positive feedback through several channels from people in Hong Kong on Xi's charisma and amicable personality. These included participants in ceremonial events, children and young people who had close contact with the president and local media who followed the whole trip, Zhang noted.

Responses on social media were also remarkable. The president received a great number of "likes" and expanded his "fan base" in Hong Kong, Zhang observed.

During the visit, Xi witnessed the signing of major cooperation pacts between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. This included the Framework Agreement on Deepening Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Cooperation in the Development of the Bay Area and collaborative agreement on the Hong Kong Palace Museum, which formally launched the project.

These demonstrated the central government's continuous support to the city in its growth and participation in the nation's development, Zhang said.

He also revealed that the president has called on relevant central government departments to introduce more favorable policies for Hong Kong people to live and work on the mainland, which would give them easier access to vast opportunities there.

Meanwhile, Zhang felt Xi's visit has clarified the complete and accurate meaning of the "one country, two systems" principle. Facing new problems and challenges, Hong Kong people should put things in perspective and analyze them rationally, Zhang cited Xi as saying. Making everything political or deliberately creating differences and provoking confrontation will only severely hinder Hong Kong's economic and social development, Zhang said.

Xi's remarks and advice aimed to achieve a steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems", the director added.

Zhang said the president has fulfilled commitments he outlined upon his arrival on Thursday－extending the country's blessing for Hong Kong, showcasing central government support for the cit y, joining people from all walks of life in the city to review the SAR's extraordinary 20-year journey and plan for the future to ensure the smooth and long-term successful practice of the "one country, two systems".

Zhang said Xi's remarks were worth being contemplated and absorbed by Hong Kong people. "One country, two systems" is not only the fundamental framework for the city itself but a vital part of the Chinese dream, Zhang cited Xi as saying.

Zhang hoped all citizens in Hong Kong can believe in themselves, in the HKSAR and in the country, just as the president has wished.