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Beijing has pledged to support Hong Kong’s deeper integration into and contribution to national development in the latest five-year blueprint, while backing the city’s goal of becoming a high-end talent hub and enhancing its law-based governance. The fourth plenum of the Communist Party’s Central Committee, which concluded last Thursday, focused on formulating China’s 15th five-year plan that will guide the country’s development from 2026 to 2030. In the full national development blueprint released on Tuesday, the central government pledged its support for Hong Kong and Macau’s “long-term prosperity and stability”. Beijing said it would adhere to the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong” and the city having a high degree of autonomy. It said it would implement the “patriots ruling Hong Kong” principle and enhance the effectiveness of law-based governance to promote the city’s socioeconomic development. “We will support Hong Kong and Macau to better integrate into and serve the national development strategy, strengthen cooperation between the two cities and the mainland in economy, trade, science and technology, and culture,” the blueprint said. The authorities also pledged to improve policies and measures to facilitate the development and daily life of Hong Kong and Macau residents in mainland China. “We will also leverage the unique advantages and important role of Hong Kong and Macau … to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade hub and support Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology hub.” Beijing will also support the city in building an international high-end talent hub, along with Macau. More to follow …
