Xi Jinping tells Hong Kong’s John Lee country has ‘very high expectations’

Chinese President Xi Jinping has met Hong Kong’s leader for the second time in a week, telling him the country has “very high expectations” of the city and urging officials to go “all out” to boost the economy.

The pair spoke at a closed-door meeting on Thursday afternoon in Macau, as Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu joined Xi on the second day of his visit to the casino hub for celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese administration.

“The country has very high expectations of Hong Kong. [I] hope Lee and the administration will govern firmly and steadily, make all-out efforts to boost the economy and strive for development and create a brighter future for Hong Kong,” Xi said, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Xi also reportedly told Lee that Hong Kong and Macau should “learn from each other” and “strengthen exchanges and cooperation”, as the implementation of the “one country, two systems” governing principle entered a new stage.

Lee voiced his gratitude to Xi and stressed his determination to lead Hong Kong’s economic advancement, improve livelihoods and integrate the city further into the Greater Bay Area.