Zhang stresses office’s contribution to HK
The central government’s top liaison official called on his colleagues to remain committed to their responsibilities serving Hong Kong and safeguarding the “one country, two systems” principle.
Zhang Xiaoming, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, was speaking at the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Hong Kong Branch of the Xinhua New Agency — the predecessor of the Liaison Office.
Working at the Liaison Office was not simply doing a job, explained Zhang. It was a role which was unprecedented; indeed, in the words of President Xi Jinping, it was a “great initiative”. It was also a significant chapter in the Chinese Dream, added Zhang.
“Thus everyone should be committed and responsible,” he advised. He urged his col- leagues to continuing working to overcome difficult challenges and to always persevere. “This is so we can fulfill our duties and leave a record of our accomplishments,” noted Zhang.
He also praised the significance of the Xinhua Hong Kong Branch during the early history of the People’s Republic of China. It later played a vital role during Hong Kong’s return to the country.
The Liaison Office has firmly implemented the “one country, two systems” principle, upheld the Basic Law — Hong Kong’s constitutional documentary — and supported the SAR government in accordance with the law. It had safeguarded the country’s sovereignty, security, development as well as Hong Kong’s prosperity, stability, Zhang stressed.
Moreover, with the Liaison Office’s help, the role of Hong Kong patriots had grown in influence, Zhang said. Liaising with all sectors in the city, the office actively promoted cooperation between Hong Kong and the mainland.
In future, the office will step up efforts in extending implementation of the “one country, two systems”. This was especially important after President Xi stressed the importance of this principle during his visit to Hong Kong for the 20th anniversary of the SAR.
He hoped the office, along with all Chinese people — including those from Hong Kong — could help in the realization of the Chinese Dream.
The Xinhua Hong Kong Branch was set up in the city in 1947. It was not just a press office, but later served as a de facto consulate in Hong Kong because China did not recognize British sovereignty over the colony.
Its liaison branch was replaced by the Liaison Office in 2000. Now, Xinhua’s Hong Kong Branch is purely a news organization.