John Lee calls Hong Kong’s CPPCC delegates a ‘steadfast patriotic force’

Hong Kong delegates to China’s top political advisory body are a “steadfast patriotic force” and make an important contribution to the city’s long-term prosperity and stability, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said.The city leader praised the delegates of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Wednesday as he hosted Jiang Zuojun, vice-chairman of the body’s 14th National Committee, at Government House.The meeting took place less than two months before the fourth annual sessions of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC and the 14th National People’s Congress, China’s top legislative body. The sessions will begin on March 4 and 5, respectively.Chief Executive John Lee (right) meets Jiang Zuojun, vice-chairman of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, at Government House. Photo: HandoutLee said he had told Jiang that the city’s delegates were a “steadfast patriotic force” as they constituted a gathering of elites and leaders from various sectors who had a deep understanding of mainland Chinese and Hong Kong affairs.“They have made important contributions to the nation’s legal development and Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability,” the city leader wrote on social media.He added that his administration had established a regular communication mechanism with the delegates, who actively offered advice and told good stories about the mainland and Hong Kong.Lee said the delegates had fully leveraged their influence in the process of implementing the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”.He said the government would continue to work and step up communication with the delegates to gather patriotic forces and pursue development.