At a seminar organized by the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies in Beijing, Xia said these directives were equally relevant to Hong Kong. “Hong Kong and Macau must excel in fostering internal and external connections, so as to maximize the benefits of the ‘One country, two systems’ model both domestically and internationally,” Xia said, according to a statement from his office. He also urged the two cities to enhance their global reputations and achieve greater international recognition.
Xia pointed to the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone on Hengqin Island, established in 2021 to support Macau’s economic diversification, as a key example of collaboration. Xi had earlier warned that projects in the zone must align with Beijing’s policy goals and advance Macau’s efforts to diversify its economy. Xia said these comments were a reminder for both cities to align with their roles in the Greater Bay Area blueprint, pledging the central government’s continued support with “pragmatic measures.”
