Chinese executive vice-premier to be Hong Kong and Macau affairs top official
Ding Xuexiang to lead office, which will answer to central leadership, but present head of ministerial-level office to stay on and help transition.
Chinese Executive Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang has been appointed as Beijing’s top official for Hong Kong and Macau affairs, but sources say Xia Baolong, the present head of the ministerial-level office, will stay on to ensure a smooth transition after its recent elevation to central party leadership level.
The decision came just days after Beijing announced the restructuring of its top office overseeing Hong Kong affairs so it would answer to the Communist Party’s central leadership instead of the State Council.
Analysts said the move had underlined the city’s importance to the country’s development plans.