Xia Baolong official urges Macau delegates to align with 15th Five-Year Plan priorities

As China’s annual “Two Sessions” opened in Beijing, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macau announced plans to hold a briefing next Friday on the significance of the meetings.

Xia Baolong, the top official overseeing Hong Kong and Macau affairs, said he hopes all sectors will recognize the strategic importance of the 15th Five-Year Plan period for the two regions.

The official also met with Macau and Hong Kong deputies of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attending the sessions in Beijing.

According to the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, Xia urged delegates to fully recognize the extraordinary significance of the 15th Five-Year Plan period for Hong Kong and Macau, to cherish the favorable situation in both regions, and to align with the nation’s overarching priorities. He emphasized the importance of fulfilling their duties, promoting high-quality development, integrating more deeply into national development strategies, and contributing to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The fourth session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee began in Beijing on Wednesday, with its main agenda including participation in the fourth session of the NPC, discussion of the government work report, and deliberation on the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan.

The fourth session of the NPC is scheduled to open this morning and will conclude next Thursday, spanning eight days and featuring three plenary meetings and a total of 11 agenda items.

Reports indicated that several Macau-based NPC deputies and CPPCC members noted that Xia emphasized that the current alignment with the 15th Five-Year Plan is taking place under favorable and harmonious conditions.

He outlined four key objectives: studying, publicizing, and implementing the spirit of central policies; advancing national security work; supporting the special administrative region government in governing according to law; and leading efforts to showcase Macau’s successful implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” framework.

Local NPC deputy Chui Sai Peng highlighted that the 15th Five-Year Plan includes a dedicated chapter for Macau, with clearly defined tasks, including the expectation that Macau’s achievements in integrating science, technology, and cultural creativity will be featured on the national Spring Festival Gala stage.

According to a sidelines interview given by Chui to Chinese media after his meeting with Xia, the director reiterated the importance of committee members diligently fulfilling their duties, urging them to first understand the central policy spirit themselves before conveying it to the broader community upon returning home.

The Macau delegation held its first meeting after arriving in Beijing, electing Lao Ngai Leong as delegation leader, with Kou Hoi In and Chui Sai Peng serving as deputy leaders. Chui also serves as the delegation’s spokesperson.