Beijing Greenlights Full Border Reopening: CE

The central government has agreed to a full border reopening between Hong Kong and the mainland in a gradual and orderly manner that could hopefully be implemented within the next few weeks, Chief Executive John Lee said on Saturday.

The announcement came a day after state media reported that outgoing Premier Li Keqiang had told the city's leader that China will promote the gradual resumption of the normal movement of people between the SAR and the mainland.

Wrapping up his maiden duty visit to Beijing, Lee said they would set up a government task force, which would involve all 15 bureaus and would be led by the Chief Secretary.

The SAR administration will also liaise with its mainland counterparts on the matter.

"Our goal is to finalise a plan as soon as possible, and then seek approval from the central government, and hopefully put it in place before mid-January," he said.

"[In the initial stage,] people want to cross the border, visit their relatives, reunite with others, do business, and even travel as soon as possible. So we must avoid any chaos, and resume cross-boundary travel in a safe and orderly manner. That would include considering the daily number of travellers and the location of the border control points with Guangdong and Shenzhen authorities."

He added that the reopening must take into account the Covid situation on both sides.