Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong concluded a two-day inspection of Hong Kong on June 17, 2026, signaling support for the current administration’s housing and economic policies. Chief Executive John Lee reported that during his departure at the Shenzhen Bay Port, Xia offered a gesture of approval by giving a “thumbs up.” According to Lee, the visit resulted in four specific affirmations regarding the government’s performance, including its efforts in national security and the development of “Light Public Housing” projects.
During his visit, Director Xia Baolong personally visited a family residing in a “Light Public Housing” unit on Yau Pok Road in Yuen Long to observe their living conditions firsthand.
Policy Affirmations and Economic Strategy
Chief Executive John Lee stated that the central government has provided four key affirmations to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. These include support for the city’s first five-year development plan, the maintenance of national security as a foundation for high-quality growth, overall economic development, and progress in technological innovation. Lee emphasized that these endorsements serve as a catalyst for future infrastructure projects, particularly in the Northern Metropolis.
Future Development and the Northern Metropolis
Looking ahead, the Hong Kong government is expected to accelerate the construction of the Northern Metropolis, with a specific focus on establishing a “University Town” as a core development strategy. Lee noted that the visit provided four areas of inspiration, prioritizing the advancement of the Hetao Hong Kong Park and the integration of Hong Kong into the national “15th Five-Year Plan.” By aligning local planning with national strategies, the administration aims to solidify Hong Kong’s status as a hub for international finance, shipping, and trade, while simultaneously attracting global talent.
The emphasis on “high-level security” alongside “high-quality development” signals that Beijing views political stability as a mandatory prerequisite for the next phase of Hong Kong’s economic integration. By publicly endorsing the “Light Public Housing” initiative, the central government is likely aiming to validate the local administration’s efforts to mitigate social housing pressures, which remain a sensitive and urgent policy priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Director Xia Baolong inspect during his visit?
Xia focused on the Northern Metropolis, visiting the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, the Yuen Long Innovation Park’s microelectronics center, the Northern Metropolis University Town, and the Kwu Tung North development area.
How did the administration characterize the visit?
Chief Executive John Lee described the visit as an endorsement of the government’s determination to resolve housing shortages through “Light Public Housing” and its broader economic and security-related policy directions.
What is the next step for Hong Kong’s development planning?
The government plans to finalize its first five-year development plan, specifically aiming to align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan to bolster the city’s role in international finance, trade, and innovation.
How do you believe the integration of the Northern Metropolis into the national five-year plan will affect local housing availability in the long term?
