President Xi Jinping arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday for a three-day visit to the special administrative region, during which he will take part in celebratory activities to mark the 20th anniversary of its return to the motherland and swear in the SAR's new leadership team.

Speaking at the airport on his arrival, Xi said that, as well as bringing the mainland's blessings to Hong Kong, he also came to convey the central government's unwavering support for the SAR's development, and to help the SAR plan for its future.

Beijing's strong support for Hong Kong has been consistent and evident over the past two decades. And before Xi arrived, the central government sent the SAR a valuable gift on Wednesday - further expansion of the 13-year-old Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement to cover nonservice industries on the mainland.