Beijing’s top man on Hong Kong affairs asks city to guard against possible sabotage during Article 23 legislation
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Beijing’s top man overseeing Hong Kong affairs has asked the city to remain vigilant against possible sabotage by foreign forces during the legislative process of a domestic security law.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club and the National Health Commission agreed to work together on a countrywide programme to build up a network of healthcare professionals and signed a deal on scholarships for mainland Chinese talent.
The close-door working dinner between Xia and dozens of Hong Kong deputies to the country’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress, took place in the evening, after the top advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, held its first session of the year.
Xia said he hoped the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution, could be completed “as soon as possible” so that Hong Kong could focus on economic development, according to delegates. The top official also asked the deputies to stay vigilant against potential interference in the legislative process.
“[Xia] said we need to be courageous to ‘fight’ potential sabotage of Hong Kong by foreign forces, especially in economic aspects,” Ma Fung-kwok quoted Xia as saying. “He hoped we could work together to resist the potentially complicated circumstances.”
Ma and other deputies did not elaborate on what potential sabotage Xia was referencing, but stressed that the official, who recently concluded a one-week visit to Hong Kong, had highlighted the city’s niche as an international hub. He also called on the delegates to support the Lee administration.
