Beijing Official Xia Baolong Begins Five-Day Hong Kong Visit for National Security Forum

Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, will visit Hong Kong for five days to attend a forum marking the fifth anniversary of the National Security Law and to inspect the city's socio-economic development. Chief Executive John Lee expressed encouragement for Xia's visit, highlighting its importance for both national security and economic progress, including the Northern Metropolis development. Since the law's enactment, 332 people have been arrested under its provisions, which Lee emphasized targets only a small group threatening security. Xia's visits, now in their third consecutive year, underline Beijing's continued focus on reinforcing Hong Kong's legal framework and governance, with an emphasis on national security education and public awareness. Additionally, Lee announced ongoing efforts to enhance government accountability through a new system for senior civil servants, aligning with President Xi Jinping's governance improvement directives. Xia is expected to deliver a keynote speech at the forum, reflecting Beijing's commitment to Hong Kong's stability and development.