China’s finance minister backs Hong Kong ‘broadening international cooperation’ as he speaks highly of John Lee during Beijing meeting

Chinese finance minister Liu Kun also says Hong Kong’s economic vitality has been revived under Chief Executive John Lee and hopes to ‘also learn’ from city leader

Analysts say warm words, busy itinerary show importance Beijing places on Lee’s visit, with tone set by President Xi Jinping’s gesture at ‘two sessions’ opening ceremony

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Chief Executive John Lee (left) meets Minister of Finance Liu Kun during his trip to Beijing. Photo: Handout

Published: 3:50pm, 14 Mar 2023Updated: 9:58pm, 14 Mar 2023

China’s finance minister has pledged his full support for Hong Kong’s “extensive broadening of international cooperation” and further integration into the national development plan, as he spoke highly of the city’s leader during a meeting in Beijing.

Liu Kun, a key official recently retained by China’s legislature to oversee the country’s macroeconomic policies, on Tuesday said President Xi Jinping had “highly recognised” the work of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu during their last exchange in December. Liu said he would “also learn” from Lee.

“The Ministry of Finance fully supports Hong Kong, according to the planning of the [Communist] Party and central government, to utilise its unique advantages, extensively broaden international cooperation and better integrate into national development plans,” he told Lee.

The pledge echoed Xi’s words of support to Lee last December during his first duty visit to the nation’s capital as chief executive.

Chief Executive John Lee (second right) during his meeting with Minister of Finance Liu Kun (first left) in Beijing. Photo: Handout

The high-level exchange on Tuesday was the first between Lee and leaders of cabinet-level departments during his week-long stay in Beijing, taking place a day after the conclusion of China’s “two sessions”, the annual meetings of the nation’s legislature and top political advisory body.