Hong Kong’s John Lee ‘to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang on Monday afternoon’ as part of second duty visit to Beijing

Other sources earlier told the Post that Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis development plan and national security would be high on the agenda when Lee meets state leaders.

The city leader told the press he would be reporting on the district council election to top officials. The poll had a turnout of 27.54 per cent, marking a historic low since Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule in 1997.

Hong Kong’s John Lee ‘to discuss Northern Metropolis plan, security’ in Beijing

Lee’s duty visit comes as slow consumption and external uncertainties have posed challenges for the city’s post-pandemic recovery, with authorities expecting a budget shortfall of more than HK$100 billion in the financial year ending March.

During Lee’s maiden duty visit to Beijing last December, Xi praised him for leading Hong Kong in a “courageous and pragmatic manner” and said Beijing would support the city’s efforts to pursue extensive international cooperation.

In a separate meeting, then Chinese premier Li Keqiang told Lee to further integrate the city into the nation’s development and improve the well-being of residents.

The chief executive is expected to meet leaders of various government ministries on Tuesday. He will wrap up his trip on Wednesday afternoon.