Beijing official Xia Baolong has encouraged Hong Kong businesspeople to invest in innovation and the Northern Metropolis project, positioning them as key drivers of economic growth. He also warned against political interference, citing alleged attempts to politicize social events.

Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs has urged businesspeople to serve as the “main force” driving the city’s economic development by investing in innovation and the Northern Metropolis project, calling on them to demonstrate their patriotism through “concrete actions”. Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, also argued that people with “ulterior motives” had politicised the deadly Tai Po fire to stir up social unrest, urging residents to remain vigilant against...