On the second day of his first duty visit to Beijing, Lee met the premier at Zhongnanhai and was told Beijing fully recognizes his efforts in leading the SAR's response to society's concerns over efforts "to restore the vitality of Hong Kong's economy and resolve deep-seated problems."

So Beijing would be supporting the SAR "in implementing Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy, comprehensively implementing the central government's jurisdiction over Hong Kong as well as the 'patriots administering Hong Kong' principle," Li said.

He also said the destinies of the SAR and the country are "closely intertwined."

He then called on the SAR to continue to strengthen its status as an international financial, trading and maritime hub as well as developing into a technology center.

Lee, expected to meet President Xi Jinping today and return tomorrow, thanked the outgoing premier for taking the time to meet him, and remarked: "I know I have huge responsibilities since taking office."

On Tuesday, Lee had said he would be reporting to Beijing about Hong Kong's political and socioeconomic status as well as the SAR's work in combating the pandemic.

Li also met Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng yesterday, with the premier remarking that Ho has taken decisive measures to allow the SAR to develop steadily.

He also told Ho that he hoped Macau can contribute to the development of the Guangdong-Macau In-Depth Cooperation Zone at Hengqin, Zhuhai.