Top Beijing official Xia Baolong to commence six-day visit to Hong Kong on Thu
Xia Baolong, the Vice-Chairman of the 13th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, will visit Hong Kong from Thursday to next Tuesday (Apr 13-18).
Xia will also attend the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong National Security Education Day activities, the SAR government said in an announcement made Tuesday.
On behalf of the SAR, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu extended his warmest welcome and gratitude for Xia’s visit.
“The SAR government will make all necessary arrangements and provide full support to ensure the smooth delivery of the visit,” the statement read.
Tam Yiu-chung, the vice-chairman of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong & Macao Studies, said the exact itinerary of Xia remains undisclosed but noted it is a good thing that Xia is coming to learn more about the city’s latest developments.
Tam added it is also unknown if Xia will make any public remarks at the opening ceremony or in other activities.
“It won’t be surprising even if he does [deliver a speech], given that he has spoken about safeguarding national security on multiple occasions before,” Tam said.