Xia Baolong, director of the State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, on Wednesday reaffirmed the nation's continued support for Hong Kong's battle against the pandemic, and called on patriotic forces in the city to proactively contribute to the effort.

He made the remarks at a meeting with Hong Kong members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee in Beijing.

Xia recalled that since the fifth wave of COVID-19 infections erupted in Hong Kong earlier this year, the central government has been following the situation closely. As cases began rising rapidly in mid-February, a special task force comprising 14 departments was set up on Feb 16 to fully assist Hong Kong in containing the outbreak.

Under the direction of the task force, more than 100 mainland medical experts have been sent to the special administrative region, and more than 51,000 isolation beds are expected to be provided with the mainland's help. Nine waterways and a rail link have been opened to transport fresh food, vegetables and medical supplies to Hong Kong from the mainland.

Xia called on patriotic forces in Hong Kong to double their efforts in curbing the pandemic and live up to the expectations of the central government and Hong Kong people. 

He said the central government's resolve to implement "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong is unwavering, and the principle will remain unchanged if it can be successfully upheld.

The central government's jurisdiction over Hong Kong will not affect the policy's implementation, and the SAR still enjoys a high degree of autonomy, he said.

In core aspects concerning Hong Kong's development, stability and security, the central government will offer pertinent guidance to the SAR government to improve the city's governance, Xia said.

After meeting with Xia, Hong Kong members of the CPPCC National Committee thanked the central government for its staunch support of Hong Kong in the anti-pandemic battle. They also vowed to cultivate more talent to fully implement the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong".

Ko Wing-man said the central government is firmly committed to implementing "one country, two systems". The mainland's support is based on Hong Kong's urgent needs amid the fifth and most serious wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, such as the need for more medical supplies, isolation facilities and greater virus-testing capacity.

He said mainland medical experts are using their rich experience to help the city enforce more effective anti-pandemic measures. With such assistance, the SAR government should act more proactively to better leverage the support.

Tang Ching-ho said the nation has always been Hong Kong's strongest supporter, adding he's touched by the efforts of many mainland provinces to help the city get through this difficult period.