Top Beijing official overseeing Hong Kong affairs set for 6-day visit to city, first since plan for restructuring of office revealed
- Xia Baolong also plans to hold meetings with mainland officials to enhance their understanding of President Xi Jinping’s political philosophy, sources say
- Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director will attend the opening ceremony of National Security Education Day, government says
The local government announced on Tuesday that Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the State Council, would attend official events to mark the city’s National Security Education Day.
Sources said Xia planned a series of meetings with Hong Kong officials, pro-establishment politicians and mainland Chinese officials based in the city during his visit from April 13 to 18.
“[Xia] hopes to have a firm grasp of the ground situation by meeting with people from various walks of life,” an insider said.
“He will also meet extensively with relevant departments within Beijing’s outposts in Hong Kong to seek feedback on the organisational reshuffling involving many changes to reporting lines, manpower deployment and responsibilities.”
This will be Xia’s first visit to the city since Beijing announced the overhaul of the HKMAO after the annual political meetings of the legislature and top political advisory body last month.
