President Xi Jinping’s deep care and earnest expectations for Hong Kong and Macao’s development and prosperity, as reflected in his 2026 New Year message, have significantly boosted morale in the two special administrative regions, inspiring the two cities to continue harnessing the momentum of national economic growth and promoting high-quality development, senior officials of the two SARs said.
In his nearly 10-minute address on Wednesday night -- New Year’s Eve -- Xi reaffirmed the central government’s unwavering support for the two SARs’ integration into national development, as well as their long-term prosperity and stability.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said he was deeply motivated by the president’s “inspiring and warm” message, pledging to focus on planned goals, maintain confidence, seize the momentum of national progress, and earnestly promote high-quality development.
In a social media post, Lee said during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, with the strong support of the central government, Hong Kong has demonstrated the powerful vitality of “one country, two systems”.
He highlighted Hong Kong’s resilience in overcoming challenges over the past year. Under Xi’s leadership and with the joint efforts of the HKSAR government and society, the city has achieved remarkable results in economic development and improvement of people's livelihoods, while maintaining international competitiveness.
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In the new year, marking beginning start of the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Lee said the HKSAR government will unite and lead all sectors of society to align with the plan, fully leverage the city’s unique advantages and important roles, deeply participate in the advancement of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and other national development strategies, making more contributions to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
In a separate social media post, Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said Xi’s message has greatly encouraged him and Hong Kong people, bolstering confidence in the city's development path for the new year.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said the Hong Kong will comprehensively consolidate and enhance its development engines, such as international finance, trade, and innovation and technology, aiming to turn these strengths into new “key boosters” for the country's overall economic growth.
Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai said as the new year begins, Xi’s expectations provide a fundamental guideline and confidence for Macao’s development at present and in the future.
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The Macao SAR government will actively align with the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan, scientifically formulate and implement its own Third Five-Year Plan, strive to create new momentum for Macao’s development, and contribute Macao’s strengths to serve the country’s overall development, Sam said.
