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President Xi Jinping on Friday inspected the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) at Shek Kong barracks, on the eve of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.
Arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport on Tuesday, Xi told reporters his three-day Hong Kong trip showcases the support for Hong Kong from the central government, which has offered its strong backing for the past 20 years.
"I believe that through the series of events to be staged in Hong Kong, our determination and confidence in developing and building a better Hong Kong will surely be enhanced," he said.
The central government will as always support Hong Kong in growing its economy and improving the people's livelihoods, President Xi Jinping said.
The president's remarks received positive feedback from the Hong Kong public, with many people expressing confidence for a better future.
Xi will attend celebrations for the anniversary and the inauguration of the fifth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Xi congratulated the special administrative region on its great achievements over the 20 years since its establishment, and he encouraged the HKSAR to create new glory.
He also said he will join people from all walks of life in Hong Kong to review the HKSAR's extraordinary 20-year journey, sum up its experience and plan the future to ensure the smooth and long-term successful practice of the "one country, two systems" policy.
"I'm pleased to have set foot in Hong Kong once again after nine years," Xi said. "Hong Kong's development has always pulled at my heartstrings."
Xi's last trip to Hong Kong was in July 2008, when he was the vice-president of China. He visited two local families and talked with the residents about housing prices, mortgage loans and incomes.
Source: China Daily, Xinhua
Editor: Shorlin
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