SARs pledge to fulfill Xi's expectations

Officials, leaders in Hong Kong and Macao note his deep commitment

Government officials and leaders of various sectors in Hong Kong and Macao have pledged to live up to the expectations of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, saying that Xi's important speech marking the 105th anniversary of the CPC's founding shows his deep commitment to the two special administrative regions.

Xi, who is also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, spoke on Wednesday at a grand gathering in Beijing on the 105th anniversary of the CPC's founding. He highlighted that promoting the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao is essential for realizing national rejuvenation.

Hong Kong and Macao held events to watch the livestream of the celebration, with many officials and community leaders saying that they were deeply inspired by Xi's speech and found it profoundly significant for the two cities.

Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said that the people in Hong Kong should make a comprehensive and in-depth study of Xi's address.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the Chinese nation, under the CPC's leadership, has achieved remarkable progress in the economy, people's livelihoods and scientific and technological innovation.

History has demonstrated that the country provides a fundamental guarantee for Hong Kong's prosperity and development, and the central government has consistently demonstrated its care and strong support for Hong Kong, he said.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said Xi's speech charts the course ahead and sets clear goals for the next stage of Hong Kong's development.

As the HKSAR government prepares to launch its inaugural five-year development blueprint and works to fully align with the country's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Chan said the administration will remain steadfast in its conviction, strive tirelessly and embrace innovation.

Starry Lee Wai-king, president of the HKSAR's Legislative Council, said that the legislature will build on the solid foundation of security and stability that has been established, and will optimize the supporting legal frameworks.

The legislature will uphold and improve the city's executive-led system while supporting and overseeing the administration, and will closely monitor public sentiment, she said.

Wingco Lo Kam-wing, president of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, said that the city should take proactive measures to meet the nation's expectations, including promoting high-quality development and actively participating in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Major political groups in Hong Kong, including the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong and the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, said that Xi's speech shows his deep care for Hong Kong, adding that they will proactively support the HKSAR government in governing Hong Kong in accordance with the law.

The Macao SAR government arranged for 2,000 students and representatives from various sectors to watch the livestream of the Party's 105th anniversary celebration at Macao Polytechnic University.

Macao Chief Executive Sam Houfai said that Xi's speech points the way forward for the city.

He said the Macao SAR government will guide the people of Macao in studying and applying the speech's key messages, and in better contributing to national development and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Chan Hong, vice-principal of Hou Kong Middle School in Macao, said that Macao's education sector will continue to guide young people to actively integrate into the nation's overall development and prepare them to take up the mission of national rejuvenation.