Hong Kong’s subsequent Chief Executive might be Beijing loyalist John Lee

John Lee, a pro-Beijing loyalist who is the only candidate for Hong Kong's high post, has been elected to be Hong Kong's next chief government.

Paul Yeung | Bloomberg | Getty Photos

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

Lee, the only candidate for Hong Kong's top put up, received 1,416 votes in Sunday's election.

About 1,500 members of a largely pro-Beijing election committee solid their votes to pick 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 begin his five-year time period on July 1, changing outgoing Chief Govt Carrie Lam.

Hong Kong is a particular administrative area of China which returned to Chinese rule in 1997, after the U.K. handed over the previous colony to Beijing. It's ruled underneath the "one country, two techniques" framework, and has restricted election rights and a mostly separate legal and economic system.

Hong Kong's electoral system went by a major overhaul final yr after Beijing stated that solely so-called "patriots" ought to be allowed to manipulate the town.

At a press convention after his election, Lee was asked if his efficiency shall be "challenged by the dearth of electoral mandate and legitimacy in the eyes of some people."

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

"Anybody, who based on the law is qualified, can take part and run for the election," he added.

Stating that he garnered greater than 1,400 votes, Lee stated: "With that variety of help, after all, it encourages me and offers me the sturdy confidence that my course is agreed and shared by lots of election committee members."

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

Bloomberg | Getty Pictures

In a observe final week, analysts at Eurasia Group weighed in on Beijing's alternative of Lee as the following Hong Kong chief.

"The choice of Lee, a profession police officer who performed a number one position within the crackdown on the pro-democracy protests that started in 2019, indicates that Beijing's high priority for Hong Kong is maintaining political safety fairly than preserving its function as a dynamic world hub," they mentioned.

"Lee's appointment will reinforce Hong Kong's shift from being a worldwide financial and business heart to playing a narrower role as a capital gateway for China," Eurasia's analysts mentioned. "While the dangers to political and financial stability are modest, Lee's administration could also be poorly equipped to respond to a major shock."

In step with China's Covid-19 policy, 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. The town tightened restrictions further in February as new circumstances raged, however started easing barely in late April.

The election was earlier postponed as a result of a surge in Covid cases in the Asian monetary hub.

I make it a very clear point that I am very conscious of the must be accessible to the world. And also it is an important thing for Hong Kong to have the ability to resume regular journey with the mainland.

John Lee

Hong Kong's incoming chief government

On the press convention, Lee was additionally requested how he will show the worldwide community that Hong Kong is open for enterprise.

"Yes, we've challenges now due to the necessity to control 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 must be accessible to the world. And likewise it is an important thing for Hong Kong to be able to resume regular journey with the mainland."

He said he shall be speaking to his counterparts in Beijing "to find out what are the circumstances that will be required for normal travel to be resumed with the mainland."

Lee additionally referred to as on citizens to comply with the recommendation and measures of the government, and mentioned the town will seek to spice up its vaccination fee. According to government statistics, more than 91% of the population above the age of 12 have received 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 extend my honest congratulations to Mr John Lee on his profitable election," she stated in a press launch. "The current-term authorities and I'll guarantee a seamless transition with the Chief Government-elect. We will render all of the assist wanted for the assumption of office by the new term of government."

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