A top mainland official has reportedly told Hong Kong members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) to “tell a good story” about Hong Kong and the country, so as to clear up any misunderstandings outsiders have about the SAR.

Politburo Standing Committee member Wang Huning on Wednesday met more than 230 Hong Kong and Macau members of the top government advisory body in Beijing.

One of the Hong Kong members, Jonathan Choy, said Wang told them to explain what is really happening in the city.

“During this period of time, many people from the outside have misunderstandings about what is happening in Hong Kong," Choy said at a virtual press briefing after the closed-door meeting.

"How do we explain Hong Kong’s actual situation to foreigners, so not only Hongkongers and mainlanders but also everyone else in the world knows that One Country, Two Systems has been successfully implemented?”

Choy said Wang also mentioned the importance for members to help safeguard China's security, sovereignty and development interests.

He also quoted the leader as saying Hong Kong must integrate into the nation's overall development; ensure that One Country, Two Systems is fully implemented and only patriots are ruling the SAR; and solve problems including the housing shortage, youth development, the ageing population and employment issues.

Also present at the session with Wang were the head of the United Front Work Department, Shi Taifeng, Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director Xia Baolong, and CPPCC vice-chairmen CY Leung and Edmond Ho.

The meeting was held in Beijing on the sidelines of the annual plenary sessions of the CPPCC and the National People’s Congress.

Meanwhile, former chief executive CY Leung is expected to serve as a CPPCC vice-chairman for another term, while another ex-CE, Tung Chee-hwa, will step down from the nation's top political advisory body.

RTHK has learnt that Leung has been endorsed as the only recommended candidate for the leadership post among all Hong Kong delegates.

It's understood that an election will be held on Friday.
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Last updated: 2023-03-08 HKT 20:02