Deng Li arrives in Paris as China’s new ambassador to France, Monaco

On Monday, Deng Li, the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to France and Monaco, arrived in Paris, along with his wife Zhang Hua. Upon their arrival, officials from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, as well as key officials from the Chinese Embassy in France, greeted them at the airport, according to a release from the Chinese Embassy in France.

According to information from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deng, who was born in 1965, previously served as vice foreign minister.

Lu Shaye, the former ambassador to France and Monaco, said at a forum in December 2024 that he was about to conclude his term as Ambassador to France and return to China, according to China News Service. Lu served as Chinese ambassador to France and Monaco since 2019.

126 dead, 188 injured in Xizang 6.8-magnitude quake

President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out rescue efforts to save lives and minimize casualties following a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that took a heavy toll after jolting a county in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region Tuesday morning.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, ordered utmost efforts to treat the injured. He also urged efforts to prevent secondary disasters, properly resettle affected residents, and handle the aftermath work effectively, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

It is essential to strengthen earthquake monitoring and early warning, promptly allocate emergency rescue supplies, expedite the repair of damaged infrastructure, ensure the basic needs of residents are met, and guarantee a safe and warm winter for all, Xi said.

A total of 126 people have been confirmed dead and 188 others injured as of 7 pm Tuesday, after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri County in the city of Xigaze in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region at 9:05 am Tuesday (Beijing Time), Xinhua reported.

There are 27 villages and approximately 6,900 people within a 20-km radius of the epicenter. Official data shows that Dingri County has a population of over 61,000, according to a press conference held by local government of Xigaze, which began with a moment of silence for the victims.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday expressed his condolences to President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping over the earthquake that struck China's Xizang Autonomous Region. 

Please, accept most sincere condolences on the tragic aftermath of the earthquake in the Xizang Autonomous Region of China. Russia shares the grief of those who lost their families and close ones in this disaster and hopes for a speedy recovery of the injured, read a statement on Kremlin's official website. 

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X "I extend my heartfelt condolences to President Xi Jinping and the brotherly people of China for the loss of precious lives in the devastating earthquake in Xizang, China. The entire Pakistani nation is deeply saddened by the tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected. Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of China during this difficult time." 

Rescue efforts pouring in

More than 3,400 rescuers and over 340 medical workers have been sent to the quake-hit area, according to a press conference on the earthquake.

The earthquake emergency response in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region has been raised to level I, the highest level, the region's emergency command center announced Tuesday. 

China's national commission for disaster prevention, reduction and relief, along with the Ministry of Emergency Management, provided over 130,000 relief supplies to the disaster-stricken area in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, including heaters, electric blankets, and emergency food, to ensure the basic living needs of the affected population are met. Earlier on Tuesday, the two departments had allocated 22,000 pieces of national disaster relief supplies to the area, according to CCTV News.

The military has also launched swift operations. The Global Times learned from the Xizang Military Command's Xigaze Military Sub-command that rescue teams have been mobilized to head toward the epicenter. Videos from the scene show significant damage to the roads leading to the epicenter, and buildings along the route showing varying levels of damage. The sub-command is rapidly deploying personnel to the affected area to participate in rescue efforts.

As of 11:25 am Tuesday, a regiment of 160 personnel from the sub-command has reached Jijiao Bridge in Dinggye county, while a company of 40 personnel has been dispatched to areas near Dingri Airport.

The Global Times also learned from the Xizang Military Command that at 1:00 pm, the General Hospital affiliated to the Command dispatched 50 medical personnel to the earthquake-stricken area in Xigaze. 

By 1:15 pm, the second batch of rescue forces from the Xigaze Military Sub-command, totaling over 680 personnel, had been deployed to three directions - Dingri, Lazi, and Sa'gya - to assist in the rescue efforts in nearby towns and villages, working tirelessly to protect people's lives and property. 

Video footage from the scene showed a regiment from the Xigaze Military Sub-command rescuing a child from the rubble and providing emergency medical assistance.

The Global Times learned from the Chinese People's Armed Police (PAP) Force Xizang Contingent that following the earthquake, they responded swiftly and urgently. As of 12:30 pm on Tuesday, 389 officers and soldiers had been dispatched, carrying with them various rescue equipment. They rushed to the severely affected areas to participate in rescue operations. Videos from the scene show that they have successfully rescued multiple individuals from the collapsed buildings. Currently, the rescue efforts are still ongoing.

The air force of the PLA Western Theater Command quickly activated its emergency disaster relief plan and dispatched a drone to assess the situation at the epicenter. At the same time, multiple transport aircraft, medical planes, helicopters, and ground forces from the Western Theater Command Air Force have been assembled and are on standby, according to Xinhua.

The air force of the PLA Western Theater Command dispatched a Y-20 aircraft sending the forward command post of the Western Theater Command to the disaster-stricken area in Dingri. The aircraft arrived at Xigaze Dingri airport at around 5 pm, CCTV reported.  

The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management said they allocated 100 million yuan ($13.9 million) to support disaster relief efforts in Xizang. The National Development and Reform Commission also allocated 100 million yuan to support post-disaster emergency recovery, Xinhua reported.

Xu Xiwei, deputy director of the Institute of Geology at the China Earthquake Administration, told the Global Times rescue efforts in the plateau region face unique challenges, including low oxygen levels and altitude sickness. The quake-stricken areas are also in urgent need of insulated tents to protect local residents from the harsh plateau climate after their homes collapsed or became dangerous to reside.   

According to the China Earthquake Networks Center, a total of 150 aftershocks had been recorded by 6pm on Monday. This includes 131 aftershocks below magnitude 3.0 and 19 aftershocks of magnitude 3.0 or higher. The largest aftershock recorded so far was magnitude 4.4, located approximately 18 kilometers from the epicenter of the main earthquake.

China's first HPV vaccine for men approved for market

The HPV vaccine, Gardasil, has gained approval for additional indications from China's National Medical Products Administration, becoming the first and only HPV vaccine authorized for use in men in China, according to the vaccine's company Merck Sharp & Dohme on Wednesday.

The quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Gardasil is now approved for men aged 9 to 26 for the prevention of HPV16- and HPV18-associated anal cancer, genital warts (condyloma acuminata) caused by HPV types 6 and 11, and precancerous or atypical lesions caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, including Grade 1, 2, and 3 anal intraepithelial neoplasia, according to Merck.

Regarding the approval of the vaccine, Tian Anna, Senior Vice President of Merck Global and President of Merck China, said that Gardasil's approval of new indications in China after six years represents a significant milestone and a major step forward in advancing public health in China.

"Since the approval of Merck's HPV vaccine in China, it has benefited the health of over 51 million Chinese women. We believe the new indications will continue to protect more eligible men," said Tian. 

"Merck fully understands the urgency of promoting HPV prevention for both men and women and will strengthen cooperation with the government to improve public awareness of HPV-related diseases, significantly improve the accessibility and affordability of the HPV vaccine, and contribute to the implementation of the Healthy China 2030 strategy," Tian added.

According to the National Health Commission (NHC), HPV is classified into high-risk and low-risk types. High-risk types mainly affect women and are linked to cervical cancer, while low-risk types primarily affect men, leading to warts in the external genital area, such as genital warts. Sexual activity is the primary mode of transmission for HPV.

Li Tongzeng, the chief physician of the infection department at Beijing You'an Hospital, told the Global Times on Thursday that men are the main transmitters of HPV, yet their infection rates often go unrecognized. "The symptoms in men are often less noticeable, leading to a neglect of its infectious nature. Vaccinating men not only helps protect them but also reduces the risk of transmission to women, thereby more effectively controlling the spread of HPV."

In China, the target population for the HPV vaccine is primarily women. While vaccination of women provides some cross-protection for men, relying only on this is insufficient, according to the NHC.

Li said, compared to women, men are less inclined to receive the HPV vaccine, primarily due to lower awareness of its role in preventing anal cancer, protecting women from infection, and preventing genital warts. 

"Certain high-risk groups, such as men who have sex with men, may have a greater awareness of safety and willingness to be vaccinated. It is important to target such key populations, as well as university students and adolescents, with awareness-raising and education efforts," said Li.

Chinese FM expresses condolence to victims of New Orleans attack

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday expressed condolences to the lives lost in the New Orleans deadly attack, in which a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd and killed at least 15 people. The ministry spokesperson also said that China opposes all violent terrorist acts targeting civilians.

"We are shocked at the violent attack. We express condolences over the lives lost and sympathies to the family of the victims and the injured. China opposes all violent terrorist acts targeting civilians," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a press conference on Thursday. 

Based on the information gathered by the Chinese Embassy in the US, no Chinese deaths or injuries have so far been reported, said Mao. 

The death toll rose to 15 after a man drove a pickup truck into New Year revelers in New Orleans of the southern US state of Louisiana around 3 am on Wednesday local time, authorities said at a press conference, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Two improvised explosive devices were confirmed to have been found in the pickup, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Officials said they were hunting for possible connections to terrorist organizations and the suspect, who was shot dead by responding police on the scene, may not be "solely responsible" for the attack, Xinhua reported. 

The suspect of the car attack on Wednesday, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US Army veteran, had an ISIS flag in his vehicle, according to The New York Times. After retiring, he worked in real estate, but his behavior recently became erratic, prompting his family to limit contact with his children. The FBI suspects he may have accomplices, and the investigation is ongoing.   

According to NBC News, the suspect posted videos to social media "indicating he was inspired by ISIS, expressing a desire to kill," US President Joe Biden said in his address to the nation, citing information from the FBI.  Biden, speaking from the presidential retreat at Camp David, called the attack "despicable."  Addressing the victims and the people of New Orleans, he said: "I want you to know I grieve with you. Our nation grieves with you as you mourn and as you heal," according to NBC News.

On Wednesday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that "Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department. The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil!" 

Biden also briefly addressed an incident in Las Vegas, where a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel. NBC News has reported that the blast is being investigated as a possible terrorist attack. Biden said his team was tracking the explosion, noting that authorities are investigating any connection between the incident and the New Orleans attack. Biden said there was "nothing to report" on any connection for now, according to NBC.

The Tesla Cybertruck, which exploded outside the Trump Hotel Las Vegas killing one person and injuring at least seven others, was rented on Turo. This is the same app that was used in the truck involved in the attack in New Orleans, CCTV News reported. 

Elon Musk said Wednesday that the explosion involving a rented Cybertruck was caused by large fireworks or a bomb in the truck bed. "We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself," said Musk on X. "All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion."

The attack in New Orleans, according to US media reports, appears to have some links to ISIS. In recent years, ISIS has ramped up its global propaganda efforts, particularly after the US' withdrawal from Afghanistan, said Zhu Yongbiao, a professor from School of Politics and International Relations in Lanzhou University.

The group has been using the internet to bolster its recruitment and mobilization, urging its supporters to carry out so-called "holy wars." For the perpetrators, they launch attacks at specific times when people are gathering to maximize panic and shock, Zhu told the Global Times on Thursday.  

Since 9/11, the US has experienced numerous lone-wolf terrorist attacks, and the threat of such incidents remains. Terrorism continues to be a significant concern not only for the US but also for Europe and other regions worldwide. During holidays, when crowds gather for celebrations and various events, the increased assembly and movement of people pose heightened challenges to security efforts, the expert noted.

Just in late December, a Saudi psychiatrist deliberately drove a rented BMW SUV through a German Christmas market, killing five and injuring more than 200. His motive remains under investigation, USA Today reported, citing local authorities.  

Dai Bing arrives in Seoul as new Chinese ambassador to South Korea

Dai Bing, China's former deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, has been appointed as Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, the latest information on the official website of the Chinese Embassy in South Korea shows.

In his written speech at Gimpo International Airport upon his arrival in South Korea, Dai stated that China and South Korea are neighboring countries with a long history of friendly exchanges. Over the past 32 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, with the joint efforts of both sides, exchanges and cooperation in various fields between China and South Korea have yielded fruitful results. The two countries have achieved mutual success, greatly benefiting their peoples and making significant contributions to regional and even global peace and prosperity, according to the official WeChat account of the Chinese Embassy in South Korea on Friday.

Dai said that he would adhere to the principles proposed by Chinese leaders of maintaining the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations, strengthening friendly neighborly ties, and upholding mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, working together with South Korea to promote the healthy, stable, and positive development of the China-South Korea strategic partnership, according to the WeChat account.

China approves new lunar sample research applications from institutions

China's space agency has released the approved list for the eighth batch of lunar sample research applications, allowing applicants to borrow samples returned by both the Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions.

A total of 8,550.4 milligrams of lunar samples will be lent to 18 researchers from 16 research institutions, the Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center under the China National Space Administration said Friday.

The institutions include the China University of Geosciences (Beijing), the University of Hong Kong, the Macau University of Science and Technology, Beihang University and Wuhan University, among others.

China's Chang'e-6 mission collected 1,935.3 grams of samples from the far side of the moon for the first time in human history. Meanwhile, the Chang'e-5 mission retrieved about 1,731 grams of lunar samples.

China has maintained a positive and open attitude and welcomes scientists from all countries to submit applications in accordance with the relevant procedures, said Ge Ping, deputy director of the center.

In July 2021, China delivered the first batch of lunar samples to research institutions. So far the country has lent seven batches of lunar samples for institutions to carry out study in fields such as lunar surface process, volcanic activity age, lunar evolution process, and mineral and volatile composition.

Xi stresses drawing on experience to maintain long-term prosperity, stability in Hong Kong, Macao

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday stressed drawing on the experience since the return of Hong Kong and Macao to the motherland in maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability in the two special administrative regions (SAR).

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks here at a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao SAR.

No country should treat Pacific Island countries as backyard: FM

China maintains that when countries develop relations with Pacific Island countries, it is essential to let Pacific Island countries make their own decisions, put development first, and stay open and inclusive. No country should view Pacific Island countries as their "backyard," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday.

Lin made the marks in response to a question about Australia's announcement that it will provide substantial funding to support the police in the Solomon Islands, and that Australian media have expressed concerns about China's police cooperation with the Pacific Island nation.

We hope relevant parties will earnestly respect the independence and sovereignty of Pacific Island countries and not interfere in their internal affairs, Lin told a routine press conference.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Australia announced on Friday that it will plough 190 million Australian dollars ($118 million) into the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and set up a new police training center in the capital Honiara.

The new assistance package was unveiled by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra. In a joint statement, Albanese and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said the package would provide the Pacific island nation with an "enduring sovereign security capability" and reduce its "reliance on external partners over time," ABC reported.

Although Albanese did not name China directly, ABC claimed that the Australian Prime Minister "suggested the deal would ensure China wouldn't be able to grow its policing and security presence." 

The Australian Financial Review also hyped that the latest move by the federal government sought "to curb China's security ambitions in the Pacific," while Australia's 9News network published a report titled "Australia and Solomon Islands sign $190 million security deal in blow to China."

"This reflects the narrow mind-set of the Australian media, which views the police cooperation between China and the Solomon Islands as an erosion of Australia's influence in this South Pacific island nation," Chen Hong, director of the Australian Studies Center of East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Friday.

China-Solomon Islands cooperation is based on equality and mutual benefit, without attaching any political conditions and not targeting any third party, Chen said. "Due to this zero-sum game mentality, the Australian side has distorted the police cooperation between China and the Solomon Islands, demonstrating its desire to exclude China's coordination with other countries in this region."

The expert further emphasized that, particularly in light of the current stabilizing and improving relations between China and Australia, the Australian media should abandon their narrow mind-set. "Australia should recognize that China is a partner rather than a competitor, and China has no intention of participating in any so-called competition with Australia in the South Pacific region. Such a narrow perspective from the Australian side is counterproductive to the advancement of bilateral relations," he said.

According to ABC on Thursday, Australian think tank Australian Strategic Policy Institute, known for its critical stance on China, will have its taxpayer funding cut after a sweeping government review of public support for national security research.

"Given the recent improving ties, Australia should collaborate more closely with China and intensify its efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, which not only aligns with the shared interests of both nations but also contributes positively to regional stability, peace, and development," Chen told the Global Times.

Exclusive: US chip suppression won’t stop Chinese industries’ devt, will only make them stronger: deputy chief of China chip trade group

On December 3, one day after the US government announced yet another round of restrictions on chip sales to Chinese firms, four Chinese industry associations, including the China Semiconductor Industry Association (CSIA) and the Internet Society of China (ISC), issued firmly worded statements declaring that US chip products are no longer safe and reliable. 

Behind the strongly-worded statements are the profound indignation among Chinese industries over the US government's relentless campaign to target an ever-growing number of Chinese companies, and the determination to ensure safe and reliable chip supplies for relevant Chinese industries, according to Wei Shaojun, vice chairman of the CSIA. 

"The US government has repeatedly suppressed Chinese semiconductor companies, and CSIA members have been very outraged about this. So, it is the CSIA's responsibility to speak out," Wei told the Global Times in an interview on Thursday, noting that more than 240 Chinese semiconductor companies been added to the US' so-called Entity List so far, accounting for one-quarter of the CSIA members, or one-third, if affected foreign CSIA members are included.

In the statement on December 3, the CSIA blasted the US government's latest move of adding more than 140 Chinese firms to its so-called Entity List, saying the US arbitrary export control measures against Chinese firms have affected the stable supply of US chip products. "US chip products are no longer safe and reliable and relevant Chinese industries will have to be cautious in purchasing US chips," it said.

Also making the same determination are three other Chinese industry associations that represent the main buyers of chips - the ISC, the China Association of Communications Enterprises, and the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Relevant Chinese ministries, including the Ministry of Commerce, also slammed the US move and vowed to take "necessary" measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

China's innovation edge

The statements from the Chinese industry associations showed a "stronger-than-before attitude" and "they expressed our strong indignation," Tu Xinquan, dean of China Institute for WTO Studies at the University of International Business and Economics and a consultant for the CSIA, told the Global Times.

As the US government is bent on escalating the crackdown measures, "we must take some necessary measures to firmly safeguard our legitimate rights and interests," Tu said, "we must accordingly encourage and support the purchase of reliable and safe products, whether they are made by Chinese companies or in other countries or regions." 

For domestic internet companies, they need to "promptly adjust their foreign cooperation and development strategies," Pei Wei, Deputy Secretary General of the ISC, told the Global Times in an interview. "They need to diversify the supply chain layout, especially for the procurement of key technologies and components, to reduce the reliance on a single source." 

Chinese internet companies should establish partnerships with chip manufacturers in countries and regions outside the US, strengthen support for domestic and locally produced chips, so as to diversify risks and enhance supply chain security and stability, Pei further noted. 

"At the same time, we must also improve our internal capabilities and continue to build independent research and development, production and manufacturing capabilities," Pei said. 

Wei also urged support for reliable chip supplies in the face of the US' relentless crackdown campaign. 

"We call on the Chinese government to support the stable development of reliable semiconductor suppliers; we also call on semiconductor companies in relevant countries and regions to strive to become reliable semiconductor industry suppliers," he said. "Suppression will not stop us from development. Chinese industries will become stronger and more confident in our development."  

Broader cooperation needed

In response to the US' government's relentless crackdown campaign, Chinese industries should also remain open for cooperation with their foreign counterparts, the leaders of the industries also said. 

"The current success and achievement of the semiconductor industry are the result of global competition and cooperation. Closed development is not conducive to technological progresses and breakthroughs in the industry, and will harm the interests of global consumers," Wei said, urging the US to return to the stage for fair competition. 

Tu noted that it is the US government's policies, not US companies, that make US chip products unsafe and unreliable. "The restrictions are on exports, so they are actually restrictions on US companies," he said. 

Pei of the ISC also called for principles of openness, inclusiveness and win-win results for international cooperation. "Chinese and foreign industries can conduct deep cooperation in areas such as research and development, market exploration and talent training to share the development results," Pei said.  

Xi hears work report from HKSAR chief executive

President Xi Jinping on Friday said the central authorities fully support Hong Kong in aligning with national strategies and fostering new momentum and advantages for economic development, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee, who is on a duty visit to Beijing. During the meeting, Xi heard a report from Lee on Hong Kong's current situation and the HKSAR government's work.

Noting that Hong Kong faces new development opportunities, Xi said the central authorities would fully, firmly and accurately implement the "one country, two systems" policy, and fully support the chief executive and the HKSAR government in uniting and leading all sectors of society in actively pursuing reform and progress, and in pursuing prosperity through innovation and creativity.
Strong backing

According to the HKSAR government, Lee's briefing includes the latest economic, social and political situation in Hong Kong.

Commending Lee's work over the past year, Xi said Lee had led the HKSAR government in shouldering responsibilities and delivering concrete results.

In the past year, the HKSAR government has completed historic legislation under Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law, pooled resources in boosting economic development, addressed livelihood problems such as housing and healthcare, strengthened external exchanges and cooperation, and continuously enhanced Hong Kong's international prestige, thus further consolidating Hong Kong's positive momentum of stability and development, Xi said.

The central authorities fully acknowledge the work done by Lee and the HKSAR government, he said.

Fan Peng, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Political Sciences, said that in 2024, one of the most outstanding achievements is the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law of the HKSAR, a historic mission.

"In terms of system design, the legislation makes Hong Kong's accountability to the central government something that is no longer an abstract political principle, but internalized in the operation of 'one country, two systems' and the actual governance of Hong Kong," Fan said.

According to the expert, in the past two years, the HKSAR government effectively handled a series of thorny issues involving the sovereign interests of national security. At the same time, Hong Kong has also carried out wide-ranging patriotic education, with the social atmosphere clearly changing.

Lee's report in Beijing came after the annual Central Economic Work Conference in the capital, which stressed the need to implement more proactive and impactful macro policies, expand high-standard opening up and keep foreign trade and foreign investment stable.

Lau Siu-kai, a consultant to the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies think tank, believed that the central government appreciates that in the past year or two, HKSAR was seeking opportunities in the Middle East and Southeast Asian countries to mitigate the impact from Western repression and attempts to weaken the foundation of Hong Kong's economic development. But at the same time, it also requires Hong Kong to continue to step up efforts to open up space for international activities.

At such a critical point in time, Xi spoke highly of the HKSAR under Lee, which actually shows that the central government has consistently attached importance to the significant status and positive role of Hong Kong, and has unswervingly supported the region, and has always been a strong backing for Hong Kong's development, Fan said.

Further integration expected

Lee's itinerary, which runs from December 11 to 14, also includes meetings with members of various central government ministries, Hong Kong-based media said.

Before Lee's briefing to President Xi, Lee met with Beijing-based business people from Hong Kong as well as representatives from top universities in China's capital, calling for better interaction and integration between the mainland and Hong Kong.

During a lunch meeting on Thursday with 15 Hong Kong business representatives in Beijing, Lee praised the Hong Kong business community's efforts to promote the complementarity and mutual benefit of resources between Beijing and Hong Kong, and expected further strengthening of cooperation and exchanges, according to Lee's Facebook post.

Lee also encouraged young Hong Kong people in Beijing to embrace the unlimited opportunities for personal growth and asked Hong Kong business communities to help more Beijing companies list in Hong Kong and invest overseas using Hong Kong as a stepping stone, according to South China Morning Post.

After the lunch meeting, the chief executive held discussions with leaders from top-tier universities including Peking University, Tsinghua University, Renmin University, Beijing Normal University, Beihang University and Beijing Institute of Technology.

In a Facebook post after the meeting, Lee expressed gratitude for the institutions' continued support for Hong Kong, and hoped to foster cooperation between mainland and Hong Kong universities. He called for a joint effort to build a "talent highland," complementing each other's advantages.

According to Lau, reform and innovation are the two principles that Hong Kong should follow in its future governance and development, which makes its cooperation and integration with the mainland particularly important.

As an international financial hub, Hong Kong has advantages in terms of outbound business investment and internationalization, while the mainland has advantages in its number of talents, unified large market and policy efficiency, Fan noted, emphasizing the complementary advantages of the two places.

"Under the framework of 'one country, two systems', Hong Kong can integrate the advantages of governance capacity from both sides, which is more important in the long run than simply talking about short-term growth," Fan added.

"The Greater Bay Area is a crucial growth pole in the Chinese path to modernization. The mainland and Hong Kong have made great explorations not only in terms of trade and finance, and social connectivity, but also in terms of policy and institutional connectivity," Fan said, "The purpose is to drive innovation in science and technology, business and finance, and create new growth points with the Greater Bay Area as a whole."

The central government has set high expectations for Hong Kong in that regard, Fan said, noting that at a time when the dividends of globalization and the vitality of global innovation are declining, governance capacity is particularly important.

HKSAR Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, said at a business forum on Wednesday that the number of foreign and Chinese mainland firms as well as start-ups in Hong Kong has reached new highs in 2024, and the HKSAR will further help mainland businesses "go global" and attract foreign investment.

Ahead of Lee's departure on December 9, he met with Ren Hongbin, head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) in Hong Kong. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening economic and trade exchanges between the mainland and Hong Kong, and facilitating the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.