Xia Baolong to inspect HK's national integration plans

Xia Baolong, the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, will arrive in Hong Kong on Tuesday for a two-day visit, the government said on Monday. The senior Beijing official will inspect Hong Kong's alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and development progress of the Northern Metropolis. "Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, expressed gratitude to Mr Xia for his continued concern and support for Hong Kong," a government statement read, adding Lee "enthusiastically looked forward to and extended his warmest welcome to Mr Xia for visiting Hong Kong for the inspection". The government pledged to support and facilitate Xia's inspection to ensure a smooth visit. Xia last paid a visit to Hong Kong in June 2025, when he stayed for five days and met representatives in various sectors. He also visited Zhuhai earlier this month to inspect the operation of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. Edited by Tony Sabine