Zhang Xiaoming vows to safeguard Hong Kong prosperity
Liaison office's new director says he will implement central policies prudently
The new director of Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong has started the job pledging to "prudently implement" the central government's policies in Hong Kong while giving "unswerving support" to the Hong Kong government in line with the Basic Law.
Zhang Xiaoming, who earlier caused a stir by alleging "external forces" were meddling in Hong Kong politics, said he would safeguard the city's long-term prosperity and stability.
Speaking to liaison office staff on Tuesday, the 49-year-old former deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office also thanked Beijing for its confidence in giving him the job, which he said would help him to understand the city.
A source familiar with Leung Chun-ying's duty visit to Beijing, which starts today, said the chief executive was scheduled to meet Communist Party general secretary Xi Jinping this afternoon. Xi is expected to succeed Hu Jintao as president in March. Leung will be received by Hu and Premier Wen Jiabao tomorrow.
Zhang also commended former chief Peng Qinghua , who has been appointed the new Guangxi party committee secretary, and deputy Li Gang , who is set to take over the Macau liaison office, for their work.
Li will appear in the ceremony today marking the 13th anniversary of Macau's handover.
