Latest news with #andMacauAffairsOffice
The Star
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Hong Kong leader says sudden removal of China's top official in the city was normal
HONG KONG: Hong Kong's leader said on Tuesday (June 3) that China's recent removal of its top representative in the city, known for his hardline policies on national security, had been a "normal" personnel change. In a surprise development, China announced late on Friday that Zheng Yanxiong (pic), the director of China's Liaison Office in Hong Kong - Beijing's main representative office in the city with powerful oversight over local affairs - had been "removed" from his post. He was replaced by Zhou Ji, a senior official with the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office on the State Council. Zheng, who played a key role in the crackdown on Hong Kong's democratic movement in recent years, was also stripped of his role as China's national security adviser on a committee overseeing national security in Hong Kong. No explanation by Beijing or Chinese state media was given for the change. According to a person with knowledge of the matter, Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison's proposed sale of its global port network to a consortium initially led by US firm Blackrock had caught senior Chinese leaders "by surprise" as they had not been informed beforehand and Zheng was partly blamed for that. The person, who has spoken with the liaison office, declined to be identified as the discussions were confidential. The Liaison Office gave no immediate response to faxed questions from Reuters. Zheng had served in the post since January 2023 and while the position has no fixed term, his tenure was shorter than predecessors including Luo Huining and Zhang Xiaoming. "The change of the Liaison office director is I believe, as with all changes of officials, very normal," Lee told reporters during a weekly briefing, without being drawn on reasons for the reshuffle. "Director Zheng has spent around five years (in Hong Kong). Hong Kong was going through a transition period of chaos to order," Lee said, referring to the months-long pro-democracy protests that erupted across Hong Kong in 2019 while adding that he looked forward to working with Zhou. CK Hutchison's ports deal has been criticised in Chinese state media as "betraying" China's interests and bowing to US political pressure. The conglomerate, controlled by tycoon Li Ka-shing, agreed in March to sell the majority of its US$22.8 billion global ports business, including assets along the strategically significant Panama Canal, to the consortium. The consortium is now being led by another member - Terminal Investment Limited, which is majority-owned by Italian billionaire Gianluigi Aponte's family-run MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. The deal is still being negotiated. Asked whether Zheng's removal reflected a pivot by Beijing towards economic development from national security, Lee said Hong Kong still needed to pursue both. "Hong Kong faces a stage where development and safety must be addressed at the same time because any development must have a safe environment." China promulgated a powerful national security law in 2020, arresting scores of opposition democrats and activists, shuttering liberal media outlets and civil society groups and punishing free speech with sedition - moves that have drawn international criticism. - Reuters
South China Morning Post
13-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
How Hong Kong can tap the potential of its island economies-in-waiting
Recent discussions in Beijing over Hong Kong's tourism have emphasised the potential of its islands and coastal resources for the development of distinctive experiences. Advertisement Returning from her visit, Hong Kong's Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, spoke of how Hong Kong could innovate within the tourism sector. Indeed, Hong Kong's islands and coastline hold vast tourism potential, their breathtaking natural wonders blending with the city's rich cultural heritage. Hong Kong's Unesco Global Geopark showcases dramatic geological formations. Our diverse ecosystems offer ever-changing landscapes. Quaint fishing villages dot the shoreline, preserving unique traditions, while the vibrant intangible cultural heritage – from festivals to folk arts – adds to the charm. Pristine beaches and world-class fishing spots cater to leisure seekers while the thriving seafood scene promises culinary delights. This seamless fusion of nature and culture lays a solid foundation for a flourishing, multifaceted island tourism industry. It sets the scene for business travellers to experience both the bustling city and the tranquil islands – a Hong Kong of dual charms, as both a city of neon lights and a calm resort, and all within a short stay. The government should fully leverage Hong Kong's tourism resources to offer island-hopping, particularly in relation to business tourism. Hong Kong's islands boast a mix of well-developed tourist destinations like Cheung Chau and Lamma Island , and secluded but emerging spots such as Tap Mun and Green Egg Island, providing diverse offshore experiences. However, in promoting island tourism and coastal development, careful consideration must be given to the carrying capacity and supporting infrastructure of each location. Advertisement Tap Mun, also known as Grass Island, has struggled in recent years with overcrowding during the holidays due to its limited facilities. Insufficient ferry services often result in long queues of tourists at Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier, highlighting the strain on existing facilities.
South China Morning Post
20-03-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Beijing will keep Hong Kong ‘free and open' for business, Euro chamber told
Beijing's point man on Hong Kong affairs has underscored the central government's determination to maintain the city's 'free and open' business environment at a meeting with a European trade group. Advertisement Xia Baolong, director of Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, also urged the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (EuroCham) to make it easier for firms from the continent to develop in the city while acknowledging the group's contributions as he received the delegation in Beijing on Thursday. 'Xia said the Chinese government has always insisted on implementing the 'one country, two systems' principle comprehensively, accurately and unswervingly and fully supported Hong Kong in maintaining its unique status and advantages in the long term,' a statement from his office said, referring to the framework under which the city is governed. '[Beijing] supports Hong Kong in maintaining its open, free and regulated business environment, strengthening and expanding its exchanges and cooperation with different countries and places all over the world in creating better conditions for companies from different places, including Europe, to develop in the city.' Xia, receiving the first delegation EuroCham has sent to the capital, called on the business group to continue to play to its strengths in promoting the development of European companies in Hong Kong and contributing to the city's long-term prosperity. Advertisement According to the office, Xia praised the group for its optimism on China and the city, its support for the local government and its efforts in promoting long-term investment by European companies in Hong Kong.
South China Morning Post
21-02-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Cut deficit, create bold budget moves – Paul Chan's mission impossible?
Hong Kong's finance chief is expected to deliver his budget speech on February 26 and is under mounting pressure to balance the books. The Post looks at the dilemmas involved and the political will required to address funding challenges in a two-part series. Read part 1 here . The message to a group of Hong Kong ministers gathered in Shenzhen on a recent Sunday was clear and, coming from Beijing's point man on city affairs, could be viewed as hailing from the country's president himself: be bolder, take action. Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, met finance chief Paul Chan Mo-po and seven other ministers to hear their plans on rebooting the city's sluggish economy and development, just weeks before Chan would unveil the size of the government's deficit for the current financial year in his budget address on February 26. Xia told the senior officials to abide by the spirit of President Xi Jinping's directions issued during the third plenum of the Communist Party – 'to be bold in reform, dare to break new ground and innovate continuously'. No 2 city official Eric Chan Kwok-ki revealed later that Xia was 'very, very concerned about Hong Kong' and hoped the city could be further integrated into national development strategies. Paul Chan previously pledged to focus on curbing growth in recurring expenses and prioritise public works to balance the city's books as he grappled with a deficit projected to reach just under HK$100 billion (US$12.8 billion) for the 2024-25 financial year. The figure was double Chan's original forecast and marked three consecutive years of operating losses. Many people saw Xia's directives as an urgent reminder for the Hong Kong administration to quickly roll out bold innovations to address the deficit and push forward long-term development.
