Hong Kong Security Chief to Run for City’s Top Job, Signaling Continuation of Beijing’s Tightening Grip Over Territory

Hong Kong Security Chief to Run for City’s Top Job, Signaling Continuation of Beijing’s Tightening Grip Over Territory
John Lee, Hong Kong's chief secretary, arrives at a press conference in Hong Kong on April 6, 2022. Lam Yik - Pool/Getty Images
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Hong Kong’s No. 2 official declared on April 6 that he intends to enter the race to become the city’s next leader, just days after the current chief executive said she won’t seek another term.

John Lee, 64, former deputy commissioner of police, was elevated to chief secretary last June in a move that critics said signaled a further tightening of Beijing’s squeeze on the global financial hub.