Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday that President Xi Jinping has instructed the SAR government to ensure full accountability over the deadly Tai Po inferno by getting to the bottom of the matter.

The CE said that was part of the conversation he had with the President during his annual duty visit in Beijing, when Xi again offered his condolences to the victims and described the Wang Fuk Court fire as heartbreaking.

Lee said he reported to Xi the formation of an independent committee and the government's work in supporting those affected, while conducting systemic reforms to ensure there would not be a repeat of what happened.

He said the President recognised the SAR government's work in this regard, as Xi emphasised that such efforts have to be continuous and consistent.

"I have made it very clear to President Xi that the committee's purpose is to find out the truth, and to look for accountability," the Chief Executive told reporters.

"We'll ensure that no stone will be left unturned, to probe the truth and find out the loopholes and also those who are responsible. And then accountability will come in."

Lee said he also brought up the court's guilty verdict against former media tycoon Jimmy Lai in his national security trial.

"President Xi heard about what we did, and he affirmed his strong recognition of our efforts in this regard," Lee said.

"He also confirmed his strong support for both the government and the judiciary to uphold the duty of safeguarding national security."

The Chief Executive also condemned foreign government officials who had ignored the strong and clear reasons in the judgment for the conviction, saying some organisations, particularly foreign media, have deliberately whitewashed the crimes and misled the public.

Lee went on to say he reported to the President that the Legislative Council elections were held successfully.

He also said the economy and people's livelihood were heading in the right direction, and that the SAR will proactively integrate into the country's development plans.