Hong Kong's new liaison chief offers wealth of governance experience

Luo Huining, the newly appointed director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, made his debut in the city on Monday, pledging to lead his office in faithfully implementing the "one country, two systems" principle.

Luo was appointed on Saturday by the State Council to replace Wang Zhimin as director of the Liaison Office.

Meeting with reporters on his first workday, Luo said "one country, two systems" remains Hong Kong's biggest advantage.

Noting that the post of liaison chief comes as a new mission and new challenge to him personally, Luo vowed that he will fulfill his duty with sincerity and affection for the city.

He said he is confident that with concerted efforts of Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, together with the SAR government and different social sectors, the national Constitution and Hong Kong's Basic Law can be fully implemented.

The "one country, two systems" principle can be steadily developed, and the city can maintain its prosperity and stability over the long term, he said.

Turmoil in Hong Kong in the past half-year has concerned everyone, and many want the city to return to a normal track, Luo said.

Quoting President Xi Jinping in his New Year's Eve speech, Luo said that people can't live and work in peace and contentment without a harmonious and stable environment, and he sincerely hopes for the well-being of Hong Kong and its people.

Luo, 65, served as Party secretary of Qinghai province from 2013 to 2016 and in Shanxi province from 2016 to 2019. Before taking office in Hong Kong, he was vice-chairman of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress.

David Wong Yau-kar, a Hong Kong deputy to the NPC, said that the appointment of a veteran official with an economic background and rich experience shows the central government's determination to address the pressing problems faced by the city.

Wong said he hopes Luo will bring a new style of work and new measures to help the city get back on track.

Lau Siu-kai, vice-president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, said the change of personnel could be seen as a hint that Beijing will launch some new policies on Hong Kong.

Luo needs to prioritize the restoration of order in Hong Kong and promote economic cooperation with the mainland, Lau said.