Beijing's steadfast support

A HIGH-POWERED DELEGATION OF BUSINESS leaders from Hong Kong began a three-day visit to Beijing on Monday. They were accorded a warm reception on their arrival. In his meeting with the delegation, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed continuity of the central government's Hong Kong policy and its support for advancing democracy in the special administrative region (SAR).

In the 17 years after its return to the embrace of the motherland, Hong Kong's post-handover journey has not been smooth sailing. It has surmounted a spate of challenges, including the Asian financial crisis which threatened to bring the SAR to its knees. Whenever Hong Kong found itself in need of assistance and help, it invariably received unreserved support from the central government. The latest package of more than 30 supportive measures came in 2012, covering areas of trade, finance, education, science, technology, tourism and Hong Kong-Guangdong cooperation.

Hong Kong has not always been on the receiving end of support. It has played a unique role in helping the mainland develop its economy, especially during the early years of the country's reforms and opening-up. In his meeting with the business leaders, Xi pointedly acknowledged the magnificent contribution Hong Kong has made to the country.