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
Updated:
0:00

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.
The office of the city’s current leader, Carrie Lam, who has announced that she won’t seek a second five-year term, confirmed that Lee had submitted his resignation letter, according to a government notice released on April 6.

“I indicate in the letter the reason for my resignation is that if my resignation is approved by the Central People’s Government, I shall plan to prepare to stand for the upcoming chief executive election,” Lee told a press conference.

He said he would elaborate on his next move once his resignation was formally approved by Beijing.

In January 2017, Lam stepped down from her role as Hong Kong’s chief secretary, a resignation which was approved by Beijing four days after it was submitted.

The next leader will be chosen on May 8 by an election committee of roughly 1,500 members, most of whom are loyal to the Chinese Communist Party.

If Lee is successful, it would be the first time a security specialist has taken the leadership position since Hong Kong’s handover to China from Britain in 1997. Previous chief executives have had extensive economic and social policy-making expertise.

According to his official website, Lee joined the Hong Kong police force in 1997 and became deputy police commissioner in 2010. He was appointed undersecretary for security in 2012 and was promoted to secretary by Lam when she took office in 2017.

Lee is the first government official to announce a bid for the city’s top political position. The nomination period opened on April 3 and continues until April 16.

Attendees from various forces march next to a banner supporting the new national security law at the end of a flag-raising ceremony to mark the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from the UK in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020. (Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images)
Attendees from various forces march next to a banner supporting the new national security law at the end of a flag-raising ceremony to mark the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from the UK in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020. Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images
Lee is among the Chinese and Hong Kong officials who were sanctioned by the United States in 2020 for their roles in curtailing the city’s autonomy and freedoms under the national security law. More than 150 people have been arrested under that law, leading to more than 60 charges, mostly against democratic politicians, activists, journalists, and students.

The sweeping legislation criminalizes four broadly defined categories of offenses, including secession, subversion, and collusion with a foreign country. People found guilty of violating this law can face up to life in prison.

On April 6, six more people were arrested for suspected sedition and contravention of the law. According to local media outlets, those arrested include Leo Tang, former vice chairman of the now-disbanded Confederation of Trade Unions, and citizen journalist Siew Yun-long.

The U.S. Department of State stated in a March 31 report that the city’s freedom continues to deteriorate as the Chinese regime tightens its grip on Hong Kong.
Reuters contributed to the report.