Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping has begun a 3-day inspection tour in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Shortly after his arrival on Sunday, he met with Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang and toured Hong Kong's facilities for the equestrian events of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Upon his arrival Sunday morning, Xi was greeted by Donald Tsang and other senior officials of the SAR government.

While meeting the press, Xi said the main purpose of his three-day visit is to have a look at Hong Kong's preparations for the equestrian events of the Olympics and Paralympics. Xi also thanked the SAR government and local communities for their support in relief operations in Sichuan's quake zone. He asked the press to convey his heartfelt regards to the people of Hong Kong.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (C Front) meets with athletes
of the Hong Kong team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and
Paralympics, and representatives of volunteers in Hong Kong,
south China, July 6, 2008. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

During the meeting with Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang, the Vice President said the central government is "satisfied" with the regional government's work. He said Hong Kong is facing mounting inflation pressure because of soaring oil and food prices in the international market, but the SAR government has adopted effective measures to minimize the impact. He added the central government will continue supporting the SAR government's efforts to boost economic development and improve living standards.