Zhou Ji, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, made his first district visit on Sunday, two days after assuming office, to get better acquainted with local communities.

The field trip took him to some of the city’s leading district-level bodies, including the district councils and committees dedicated to crime prevention and fire safety.

Zhou met with community workers and expressed his appreciation for the time and effort they put into serving local residents.

He said he was acutely aware of the immense responsibility placed on him by the central government and pledged to fully and faithfully implement the “one country, two systems” policy with unwavering commitment.

Zhou also voiced his resolve to safeguard the constitutional order of the special administrative region as defined by the Constitution and the Basic law, and to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and development interests.

He further committed to supporting Hong Kong in developing into an international hub for innovation and talent by leveraging its unique advantages, and in aligning its economy with national development initiatives.

In a related development the previous day, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu met with Zhou and exchanged views on a range of issues, including Hong Kong’s opportunities and challenges, and promoting the city’s long-term prosperity and stability, according to an HKSAR government statement.

Lee expressed his gratitude to the central government for its continued support and care for Hong Kong, driving and supporting its transition from stability to prosperity. He also extended a warm welcome to Zhou on his new appointment.

Zhou has had extensive experience in local governance and policymaking from a macroscopic perspective, having previously held such positions as a member of the CPC Hubei Standing Committee, a member of the CPC Henan Standing Committee, deputy secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee, deputy secretary of the Henan Party Leadership Group and vice-governor of Henan.

Since taking office in July 2023 as executive deputy director of the CPC Central Committee Hong Kong and Macao Work Office and the State Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, Zhou has participated in taking forward Hong Kong’s work under national development strategies.

He is well acquainted with national policies on Hong Kong and has actively promoted the implementation of central government policies benefitting the city.

Lee expressed confidence in working with Zhou in actively aligning with national development strategies, as well as in implementing fully, faithfully and resolutely the principles of “one country, two systems” and “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” with a high degree of autonomy. 

He also said they would work together to maintain the constitutional order of the Hong Kong SAR as stipulated in the Constitution and Basic Law, on implementing the executive-led structure and the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” with a view to ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of the city, on the steadfast and successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle, and on expediting the development of Hong Kong from stability to prosperity.

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Noting that Zhou is well acquainted with Hong Kong affairs, Lee said that this will help the city better contribute to and benefit from its integration into national development, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and the Belt and Road Initiative.