Beijing urges HK delegates to play 'exemplary' roles
Outgoing chairman of the nation's top political advisory body highlights development of the city
China's top political advisory body opened its nine-day session yesterday with outgoing chairman Jia Qinglin calling on Hong Kong and Macau delegates to play a greater role in their special administrative regions and the nation's economic, social and political development.
In a keynote speech to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Jia also urged political advisers to "rally closely around the party Central Committee with comrade Xi Jinping as general secretary".
Veteran politician and newly promoted Politburo Standing Committee member Yu Zhengsheng presided at the opening ceremony. He is poised to become the new chairman of the advisory body during the session.
Jia said: "We should maintain close contact with CPPCC national committee members from Hong Kong and Macau, and get them to fully play their positive role in developing the economy, improving people's well-being, advancing democracy and promoting harmony in their special administrative regions and the country's agenda."
Jia summarised the top advisory body's achievements in the past five years but also pinpointed areas that need improvement.
The achievements included the guiding of Hong Kong CPPCC members to "play exemplary roles in implementing the principle of 'one country, two systems', increased contacts and exchanges with political organisations, social groups and influential figures in Hong Kong", and "supporting Hong Kong delegates to inform young people of China's national conditions".
