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William Zheng

Beijing’s former liaison office chief in Hong Kong, Zheng Yanxiong, has returned to the nation’s capital and is expected to take up a senior role in the country’s top legislature, the Post has learned.
Two sources said Zheng, who was abruptly removed as director of Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong on May 31, would be appointed executive deputy director of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Education, Science, Culture and Health Committee.
This means he will continue to hold his rank as a full minister.
One source said Zheng had arrived in Beijing on Tuesday and reported to work with the NPC.
The source, who declined to be named, said Zheng’s appointment would be formally endorsed at the NPC Standing Committee’s meeting in the second half of this month.
A second source, who also asked to remain anonymous, said Zheng sent a small poem to many pro-Beijing politicians he had worked with in Hong Kong before his departure.
“His poem reads, ‘Love for Hong Kong is enduring, but my duties are limited by terms; if any consolation, good signs of prosperity and governance’,” the source said.
Calling the politicians “brothers-in-arms, best friends and closest friends”, Zheng said “see you later in Beijing” in his parting message, according to the second source.
Zheng, 61, was succeeded by Zhou Ji, the executive deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO). No explanation by Beijing or Chinese state media has been given for the change, which was announced last Friday.
Zheng was appointed as head of the Hong Kong liaison office – Beijing’s main representative office in the city – in January 2023, succeeding Luo Huining, who was 68 at the time.
Zhou, who was appointed as executive deputy director of the HKMAO in 2023, also took over Zheng’s role on the Committee for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong.
According to an updated organisation chart on the HKMAO website, Zhou’s title has been changed from “executive director in charge of daily operations” to “deputy director”, but he is still ranked second to HKMAO chief Xia Baolong.
Zheng has been removed from the latest organisation chart.
The second source said the updated chart showed Beijing wanted Zhou to “concentrate his work in Hong Kong, as he has many immediate and long term tasks”.
“His plate is very full. In the shorter run, he will have to help the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s government to sort out the CK Hutchison port deal, and ensure a successful Legco election in December,” the insider said.
“In the longer run, he needs to assist the HKSAR government to show progress on economic development initiatives such as the Northern Metropolis, etc.”
CK Hutchison Holdings’ sale of its ports at the Panama Canal has drawn strong criticism from pro-Beijing newspapers in Hong Kong, accusing the company of “betraying” China’s interests and bowing to US political pressure.
The conglomerate, controlled by tycoon Li Ka-shing, agreed in March to sell most of its global ports business for US$23 billion, including assets at both ends of the strategically significant canal, to a consortium led by the United States’ BlackRock. CK Hutchison stands to pocket US$19 billion in cash.
One consortium member, Terminal Investment Limited, is majority-owned by Italian billionaire Gianluigi Aponte’s family-run Mediterranean Shipping Company.

Zhou stepped into the public spotlight in Hong Kong over the weekend, two days after he took up his new role, saying his appointment came with heavy responsibilities but reflected the trust Chinese President Xi Jinping placed in him.
He visited a community centre of the Kowloon Women’s Organisations Federation in Fu Cheong Estate in Sham Shui Po and Cheung Hang Community Hall in Tsing Yi on Sunday.
Zhou vowed to fully support the Hong Kong government in leveraging the city’s unique advantages, which included enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being connected to the world, to enhance its status as an international financial, shipping and trading centre.
He also said he would support local authorities in speeding up the progress of driving innovation and building a global hub for top talent.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday described Zhou as “humble and pragmatic”, noting that he cared about Hong Kong and attached importance to people’s livelihoods and district governance.
Lee also highlighted that Zhou held the interests of the city close to his heart and was a staunch supporter of the correct and faithful implementation of the “one country, two systems” governing principle.


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Hong Kong politics

Former liaison chief in Hong Kong to assume role in National People’s Congress

Zheng Yanxiong, former director of Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong, has returned to the nation’s capital, according to a source. Photo: Edmond So

A source has said Zheng’s appointment to the NPC will be formally endorsed at a Standing Committee meeting in the second half of this month. Photo: Xinhua

Hong Kong’s John Lee cites ‘good understanding’ in meetings with new liaison chief

City leader John Lee (left) pays a visit to Zhou Ji, the new director of Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

Director Zhou Ji visits a Kowloon Women’s Organisations Federation service centre in Sham Shui Po on Sunday. Photo: Hong Kong liaison office

New liaison office chief in first public appearance with Hong Kong community visit

Liaison office director Zhou Ji (centre) visits a community centre in Tsing Yi. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong’s John Lee meets new liaison office chief, vows to pursue fresh growth

Liaison office Director Zhou Ji (left) meets Hong Kong leader John Lee at Government House on Saturday. Photo: ISD

Liaison office chief Zhou Ji (second left) with city leader John Lee (second right). Also attending the meeting were the deputy secretary general of the liaison office, Xiao Youmei (left), and the director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Carol Yip Man-kuen (right). Photo: ISD

News

Hong Kong

Politics

Two sources say Zheng Yanxiong, who was replaced by Zhou Ji last Friday, will retain minister rank and be endorsed by Standing Committee this month


Two sources say Zheng Yanxiong, who was replaced by Zhou Ji last Friday, will retain minister rank and be endorsed by Standing Committee this month.


Macau

China

National People's Congress (NPC)

Former liaison chief in Hong Kong to assume role in National People’s Congress

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Two sources say Zheng Yanxiong, who was replaced by Zhou Ji last Friday, will retain minister rank and be endorsed by Standing Committee this month

Two sources say Zheng Yanxiong, who was replaced by Zhou Ji last Friday, will retain minister rank and be endorsed by Standing Committee this month