Hong Kong's Next Leader John Lee to Meet Xi Jinping in Beijing

John Lee, Hong Kong Chief Executive-elect (Source: Bloomberg)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Hong Kong's next leader, Chief Executive-elect John Lee, is reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 30th to be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

On the same day, Chief Executive John Lee received his appointment certificate from Premier Li Keqiang in the morning and is scheduled to meet President Xi in the afternoon. This marks the final appointment procedure before his official inauguration on July 1.

During his stay in Beijing, he is expected to submit his cabinet lineup for approval by the Chinese government. He is also anticipated to discuss plans for government restructuring with Vice Premier Han Zheng and is likely to meet with Zhao Kezhi, Minister of Public Security, among others.

Premier Li Keqiang, while handing over the appointment certificate, urged the Hong Kong government to promote economic development, improve people's livelihoods, and resolve issues affecting society. He also expressed support for John Lee's leadership and emphasized that uniting various sectors of Hong Kong would help solve problems.

Premier Li further told John Lee that the central government will continue to implement the "One Country, Two Systems" principle in a comprehensive and precise manner. He also stressed that the Chinese government will spare no support for Hong Kong officials. He added, "Efficiency must be improved, and Hong Kong's status as an international financial, trade, and transportation hub should be strengthened."

Regarding this, John Lee reportedly said, according to SCMP, "I will devote myself to leading the 6th-term government in thoroughly and accurately implementing the One Country, Two Systems principle."

Meanwhile, this visit will be conducted under a closed-loop system, meaning that the delegation members are not allowed to interact with anyone outside the meeting venue.

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