China Appoints First Police-Origin Hardliner as Hong Kong Government's Second-in-Command

▲Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] China has appointed a hardliner from the police and security sector to the position of Hong Kong's second-in-command, the Chief Secretary for Administration, for the first time.

According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 25th, the State Council of China appointed John Lee, Hong Kong's Secretary for Security, as Chief Secretary for Administration on the 23rd, following the recommendation of Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's Chief Executive.

Chris Tang, who was promoted from Deputy Commissioner of Police to Commissioner of Police during the 2019 anti-China protests, was once again promoted to Secretary for Security.

They were key figures leading the hardline response during the anti-China protests.

According to the Hong Kong media South China Morning Post (SCMP), Lee, the newly appointed Chief Secretary, praised the Hong Kong National Security Law after the appointment announcement, saying, "The 'era of chaos' in Hong Kong has ended, and we have entered a new chapter of efficient governance."

Newly appointed Secretary for Security Tang pledged, "We will fight community terrorism and ensure that people can work and live safely in Hong Kong."

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Carrie Lam expressed confidence that "they will contribute more to the country and Hong Kong" regarding this personnel change, adding, "(Although Lam's term has less than a year remaining) change was necessary."

She also said, "We considered who the best candidates were," and added, "While having broad experience in various fields helps, it is not a prerequisite for the Chief Secretary candidate."

The Chief Secretary for Administration is Hong Kong's second-in-command, overseeing a wide range of areas including security, education, welfare, food and health, housing, and transportation.

SCMP explained that Lee's appointment as Chief Secretary marks the first time since the 1997 handover of Hong Kong sovereignty that a former police and security official has been appointed to this position.

Chief Executive Lam noted that this is not the first time an outsider who is not a career civil servant has been appointed as Chief Secretary, citing the example of former Chief Secretary Henry Tang from 2007 to 2011.

Lo Siu-kai, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong-Macao Research Association in China, told the Global Times, "The central government still places national security and stability of Hong Kong as a core priority," and assessed that "some departments have not properly cooperated with the police over the past few years."

He added, "This shows that the continuity of key departments supporting Hong Kong's national security and stability will not be affected by the upcoming elections." The next Hong Kong Chief Executive Election Committee election is scheduled for September 19, the Legislative Council election for December 19, and the Chief Executive election for March 27 next year.

Tian Peilong, a professor at Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, said, "This appointment shows that the Hong Kong government has chosen resolute patriots," referring to the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong."

SCMP also added that the two officials are expected to attend the 100th anniversary event of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing on the 1st of next month, along with Chief Executive Lam.

Meanwhile, Matthew Cheung, the previous Chief Secretary who had served since 2017, stepped down from his position.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.