Beijing's top official overseeing Hong Kong affairs affirmed the city's district-level work as he continued his week-long inspection visit, the government said on Saturday.

The director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Xia Baolong, started his third day in the city by having dim sum at a restaurant in Tseung Kwan O, along with officials including Chief Executive John Lee and home and youth affairs minister Alice Mak.

District representatives, such as members of three local bodies – the area, fire safety and fight crime committees – and those from care teams, were also present.

A diner, who saw Xia at the restaurant, recalled the Beijing official saying "Kung Hei Fat Choi" to her – a common greeting during the Lunar New Year period.

Xia later met with all 32 Sai Kung district councillors, during which he was briefed on their work.

Home and youth affairs chief Alice Mak said those in attendance had pledged to serve as a bridge between the government and residents.

"During the meeting, a lot of district councillors reported on their work. Director Xia listened to our reports and recognised the work of each district councillor," she said.

"With the encouragement from the director, we hope to continue working hard with district councillors."

Christine Fong, a Sai Kung district councillor, told reporters that Basic Law Article 23 national security legislation was brought up at the meeting.

She said Xia hoped district councils would inform the public of the government's policies and assist in its governance.

Xia then headed to Sai Kung for a seafood lunch with district officers, who chair the city's district councils, before spending the afternoon at Lion Rock Park in Wong Tai Sin.

Xia is in town for seven days to gain a better understanding of Hong Kong, saying his mission is to work with the administration and all sectors of society to plan a "new stage of development" for the city.

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Last updated: 2024-02-24 HKT 15:27