Hong Kong's former No. 2 official John Lee on Saturday formally declared his candidacy for the upcoming leadership election, entering the race for chief executive viewed by many as Beijing's preferred candidate.
Lee said at an online news conference that he would stand for the election on May 8 after the Chinese government approved his resignation, which he submitted last week, as the city's chief secretary for administration.
Lee's candidacy comes after current leader Carrie Lam announced she would not run for a second term, following a rocky five years in power that spanned the COVID-19 pandemic, a crackdown on political freedoms and Beijing's rapid and growing influence over the territory. The chief executive will be voted in by an election committee of about 1,500 people, a majority of whom are pro-Beijing. The new leader will take office on July 1.
After the protests were snuffed out, Lee was an outspoken supporter of the national security law imposed on the city, which outlaws subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces in the city's affairs and has been used to suppress dissent. Over 150 people have been arrested since the law was implemented.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ex-Hong Kong security chief launches the only bid to take over from Carrie LamWould face balancing need for stringent rule by Beijing and desire for freedom by island\u0027s citizens
Read more »
OPINION | Beverley McLachlin should step down from the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal | CBC NewsOpinion: Beverley McLachlin's continuing presence on the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal lends her credibility (and Canada’s) to China’s program to dismantle democracy and the rule of law in Hong Kong.
Read more »
Ex-Hong Kong security chief launches the only bid to take over from Carrie LamWould face balancing need for stringent rule by Beijing and desire for freedom by island\u0027s citizens
Read more »
Geoff Russ: Beverley McLachlin becomes another cog in Beijing's wheelChina\u0027s meddling has ruined Hong Kong’s legal system as far as upholding civil liberties go
Read more »
OPINION | Beverley McLachlin should step down from the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal | CBC NewsOpinion: Beverley McLachlin's continuing presence on the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal lends her credibility (and Canada’s) to China’s program to dismantle democracy and the rule of law in Hong Kong.
Read more »
Raymond J. de Souza: Apologies are one thing, reconciliation is anotherA new generation of Aboriginal leadership is not seeking reconciliation as much as redress
Read more »