President Xi Jinping on Wednesday heard a
work report delivered via video link by Chief Executive of the Hong
Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam on the HKSAR
government's work in 2020, its COVID-19 response and other situations. The
work report hearing was conducted via video link in line with COVID-19
control needs, Xi said, adding that he was "very concerned and worried"
as the fourth wave of the epidemic in Hong Kong has posed relatively big
threats to citizens' life and health. The
central government has taken and will continue to take all necessary
measures to fully support HKSAR in fighting COVID-19, Xi said, calling
for firming up confidence and staying united in the anti-epidemic fight. "The motherland is always Hong Kong's strong backing. Difficulties at hand can surely be overcome," Xi said. He
said Lam and the HKSAR government calmly coped with multiple serious
challenges brought by the turbulence over the proposed ordinance
amendments, the COVID-19 epidemic and the adverse changes in the
external environment over the past year. Certain
success has been achieved in maintaining order, fighting the virus,
addressing people's difficulties and reviving the economy, Xi said. "What
should be noted is that since the National People's Congress Standing
Committee adopted the national security law in the HKSAR, you have led
the HKSAR government in resolutely enforcing it, stopping violence and
chaos in accordance with the law and working to bring Hong Kong back on
track," Xi said. "On major issues
such as national security, you have taken a firm stand and assumed
responsibilities, demonstrating your love of and deep sense of
responsibility to the motherland and Hong Kong," Xi told Lam. "The
central authorities fully acknowledge your performance and the
performance of the HKSAR government in fulfilling duties," Xi said. Hong
Kong's transition from chaos to stability has once again demonstrated
that the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong" must be always
upheld to ensure the steady and sustained implementation of "one
country, two systems," he said. It is
the fundamental principle that concerns national sovereignty, security
and development interests, as well as Hong Kong's prosperity and
stability in the long run, Xi added. Xi said that Hong Kong can only maintain its long-term stability and security by ensuring "patriots governing Hong Kong." He also sent his regards to the officials of the HKSAR government who were unreasonably sanctioned by the United States. Lam
expressed her sincere gratitude for the central authorities' care and
support for Hong Kong and pledged to lead the HKSAR governance team in
working harder and fearlessly to overcome difficulties and let Hong Kong
start anew. Senior leaders including Han Zheng attended the event.
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