CMG's top 10 news stories from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in 2025

China Media Group (CMG) on Saturday released the top 10 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) news stories in 2025. Here is the roundup:

1. Key recommendations highlight GBA's roles as engines of high-quality development

The Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, adopted at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, urged efforts to consolidate and enhance the roles of the GBA as engines of high-quality development.

2. Xi urges deepening reform, opening up during Guangdong inspection tour

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for comprehensively deepening reform and opening up for high-quality development and advancing the development of the GBA with sustained efforts.

Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection tour in Guangdong in November. He hailed the southern province as a pacesetter, pioneer and pilot zone of reform and opening up.

The development of the GBA means a huge responsibility for Guangdong and also presents a rare development opportunity for the province, Xi noted, urging efforts to deepen cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao and to support Hong Kong and Macao to better integrate into as well as serve the country's overall development.

3. Xi hears reports from chief executives of Hong Kong and Macao SARs

On December 16, President Xi Jinping heard reports from Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) John Lee and Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Sam Hou Fai on the two regions' current situation and the two SAR governments' work.

He called on the two SAR governments to align actively with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, uphold and improve their executive-led governments and extensively participate in the development of the GBA to better integrate into and contribute to the country's overall development.

4. Xi declares 15th National Games open

President Xi Jinping declared China's 15th National Games open on November 9, marking his fourth straight appearance at the opening ceremony of the nation's top multi-sport competition.

Mass participation became a defining feature, with more than 11,000 amateur athletes – including schoolchildren, teachers, doctors and farmers – reaching the final stage of competition. Participants ranged in age from 8 to 81.

As China's top leader, Xi has made it a priority to build the country into a sports powerhouse and promote public fitness to improve people's health.

5. Key meeting calls for developing international technological innovation center in GBA

The annual Central Economic Work Conference was held in Beijing from December 10 to 11 as Chinese leaders decided priorities for the economic work in 2026.

According to the meeting, China will develop international technological innovation centers in Beijing (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region), Shanghai (Yangtze River Delta) and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Efforts will be made to advance the AI Plus Initiative, improve AI governance and foster innovation in science and technology finance.

6. Xi extends condolences over Hong Kong building fire

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended condolences over a residential building fire in Hong Kong on November 26.

Xi expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and those affected by the disaster. He urged all-out efforts to extinguish the fire and minimize casualties and losses.

In the wake of the fire, Xi attached great importance to the accident and immediately sought updates on the rescue efforts and casualties.

Following the fire, numerous charitable organizations and funds swiftly allocated donations to assist residents affected. The HKSAR government established the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which has so far received approximately HK$3.8 billion (about $488.93 million) in donations. Together with the start-up capital of HK$300 million from the HKSAR government, the total fund has now reached around HK$4.1 billion. This fund provides various emergency financial support to various groups of people affected by the fire.

7. Hong Kong and Macao SARs hold legislative elections

The results of the election of the eighth-term Legislative Council (LegCo) of China's HKSAR were unveiled in December. All 90 members of the new-term LegCo of the HKSAR were elected. It comprises 40 elected by the Election Committee, 30 by functional constituencies and 20 by geographical constituencies through direct elections.

The eighth-term LegCo of the HKSAR will commence its four-year term on January 1, 2026.

The election for the eighth Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR commenced in September. A total of 26 candidates were preliminarily elected to the eighth Legislative Assembly through direct and indirect elections.

The new legislature of the Macao SAR comprises 33 members, including 14 directly elected members, 12 indirectly elected members and seven members appointed by the Macao SAR chief executive.

8. World-class airport cluster emerges in GBA

A world-class airport cluster is rapidly taking shape in the GBA, marking a significant milestone in regional infrastructure development. This ambitious project integrates multiple major airports to create a cohesive and efficient aviation network.

On July 30, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport completed test flights on its fifth runway, becoming China's second and the GBA's first five-runway airport. Shortly after, on August 3, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport concluded flight calibration for its third runway, paving the way for its operational launch within the year.

Following the November 2024 commissioning of Hong Kong International Airport's three-runway system, the GBA currently operates 13 runways and is soon set to expand to 15. Beyond these major hubs, other airports across the GBA are also advancing their expansion projects simultaneously.

9. Hong Kong's Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles scheme officially implemented

Hong Kong's "Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles" scheme was officially implemented from midnight on December 23.

Under the scheme, approved private car owners from south China's Guangdong Province with confirmed travel bookings may drive into Hong Kong's urban area via the Zhuhai Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Each Guangdong vehicle may stay in Hong Kong for up to three days per visit.

10. Inauguration ceremony of IOMed held in Hong Kong

The inauguration ceremony of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), headquartered in China's HKSAR, was held on October 20.

The event marked a milestone in international conflict resolution, as the IOMed is the world's first intergovernmental international legal organization dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation.