China appoints hardline former security chief as new leader of Hong Kong after one-man election | World News

Hong Kong’s next leader will be a security chief known for cracking down on the city’s pro-democracy movement.

Former police officer John Lee is the only candidate in an “election” to choose Carrie Lam’s successor as Hong Kong’s chief executive.

The 64-year-old was supported by more than half of the 1,500-member election committee and he only needed a majority to win, which he did with more than 1,400 votes.

Speaking on Friday, he promised a “results-oriented” approach, saying: “Hong Kong must seize its opportunity.

“We cannot wait, we cannot delay.

“We will have to strengthen Hong Kong as an international city to develop Hong Kong’s potential as a free and open society, to connect mainland China and the world.”

Mr. Lee will replace Carrie Lam on July 1.

Mr. Lee was security secretary during the pro-democracy protests in 2019 and oversaw the violent response to protesters.

He supports national security law saw more than 150 people arrested for crimes such as subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.

He was sanctioned by the US after the bill became law in 2020, criticized for “undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy and restricting freedom of speech or assembly”.

Mr. Lee’s selection process has come under criticism as Beijing tries to create the impression of democracy while tightly controlling the outcome.

The election commission voted by secret ballot but all were scrutinized, and the city’s four previous executives were also effectively selected by Beijing.

‘The motives for holding an election’

“Even today’s autocratic regimes feel obliged to make moves,” said Yvonne Chiu, a professor at the US Naval War College who has written about Hong Kong politics. hold an election to give greater legitimacy to their own people and to the international community.”

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Hong Kong pro-democracy newspaper closed after police raid and arrest
Carrie Lam says she won’t seek second term after overseeing tough new security law

While 7.4 million Hong Kongers still enjoy more freedoms than those in mainland China, the Communist Party has tightened its grip in recent years.

Dissent has been largely eliminated, with critics of the government jailed, threatened with silence or forced to flee abroad.

Only those loyal to Beijing can hold office

Changes to Hong Kong’s election laws last year restricted political office to Beijing loyalists.

And young professionals make up a large number of those leaving the city – a blow to the reputation of a place once considered one of Asia’s main business hubs.

March, Britain removed two judges who has been appointed to Hong Kong’s highest courts, with Justice Secretary Dominic Raab saying that placing “the right to freedom of expression and honest criticism of the state … is contrary to the agreement of the table.” that we’ve had with China since 1997.”