Hong Kong’s next Chief Government might be Beijing loyalist John Lee

John Lee, a pro-Beijing loyalist who's the one candidate for Hong Kong's high submit, has been elected to be Hong Kong's subsequent chief executive.

Paul Yeung | Bloomberg | Getty Pictures

John Lee, a Beijing loyalist, has been elected to be Hong Kong's next chief executive.

Lee, the one candidate for Hong Kong's prime post, won 1,416 votes in Sunday's election.

About 1,500 members of a largely pro-Beijing election committee forged their votes to pick out the new leader. Lee only wanted a easy majority to win.

The 64-year-old Lee, who was formerly Hong Kong's chief secretary, will start his five-year term on July 1, replacing outgoing Chief Government Carrie Lam.

Hong Kong is a special administrative area of China which returned to Chinese rule in 1997, after the U.Ok. handed over the previous colony to Beijing. It's governed under the "one country, two methods" framework, and has limited election rights and a principally separate authorized and economic system.

Hong Kong's electoral system went via a significant overhaul final yr after Beijing mentioned that only so-called "patriots" ought to be allowed to manipulate town.

At a press convention after his election, Lee was requested if his efficiency will be "challenged by the lack of electoral mandate and legitimacy within the eyes of some individuals."

His reply was that his election was "run in accordance with the legal guidelines of Hong Kong."

"Anyone, who according to the regulation is qualified, can participate and run for the election," he added.

Pointing out that he garnered greater than 1,400 votes, Lee mentioned: "With that number of support, in fact, it encourages me and offers me the sturdy confidence that my direction is agreed and shared by a number of election committee members."

John Lee, a Beijing loyalist, has been picked to be the city's next chief government.

Bloomberg | Getty Images

In a notice last week, analysts at Eurasia Group weighed in on Beijing's alternative of Lee as the next Hong Kong chief.

"The choice of Lee, a career police officer who performed a number one position within the crackdown on the pro-democracy protests that started in 2019, signifies that Beijing's high priority for Hong Kong is maintaining political security somewhat than preserving its position as a dynamic global hub," they stated.

"Lee's appointment will reinforce Hong Kong's shift from being a worldwide financial and business middle to taking part in a narrower position as a capital gateway for China," Eurasia's analysts said. "While the dangers to political and financial stability are modest, Lee's administration may be poorly outfitted to reply to a significant shock."

According to China's Covid-19 coverage, Hong Kong has a so-called "dynamic zero" strategy for the virus and imposed strict measures in January in an try to blunt its unfold. Town tightened restrictions additional in February as new circumstances raged, however began easing barely in late April.

The election was earlier postponed resulting from a surge in Covid instances within the Asian monetary hub.

I make it a very clear level that I am very aware of the must be accessible to the world. And in addition it is a crucial factor for Hong Kong to be able to resume regular journey with the mainland.

John Lee

Hong Kong's incoming chief govt

On the press convention, Lee was also asked how he will show the international group that Hong Kong is open for enterprise.

"Yes, we've challenges now due to the need to management Covid-19 and a few of the measures are indeed creating inconvenience," he acknowledged.

"I make it a really clear point that I'm very acutely aware of the have to be accessible to the world. And also it is a vital factor for Hong Kong to have the ability to resume regular travel with the mainland."

He mentioned he might be speaking to his counterparts in Beijing "to seek out out what are the circumstances that might be required for regular journey to be resumed with the mainland."

Lee additionally called on residents to observe the advice and measures of the federal government, and stated the town will search to spice up its vaccination price. In response to authorities statistics, greater than 91% of the population above the age of 12 have obtained their first vaccine dose as of Saturday, and 85.2% have obtained their second dose.

Hong Kong's outgoing chief government Lam congratulated Lee on Sunday.

"I prolong my honest congratulations to Mr John Lee on his profitable election," she stated in a press launch. "The present-term authorities and I will guarantee a seamless transition with the Chief Government-elect. We are going to render all the support needed for the assumption of office by the new term of presidency."

Correction: This story has been up to date to reflect that John Lee won 1,416 votes in Hong Kong's chief govt election. An earlier version of the story misrepresented that figure.