Beijing Officially Appoints John Lee As Next CE

Beijing on Friday officially appointed John Lee as Hong Kong's next Chief Executive – 12 days after he was picked by the 1,500-strong Election Committee.

In response, Lee thanked the central government for the appointment.

"I am deeply honoured by the appointment and fully aware of the great responsibility upon me. I shall shoulder my mission with loyalty and perseverance," the CE-designate said in a statement.

"I pledge to live up to the expectations of the Central People's Government and the people of Hong Kong. I will do my utmost to lead the new-term government to comprehensively and accurately implement the principle of 'one country, two systems', 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong' and a high degree of autonomy in accordance with the Basic Law."

He pledged to help the needy, unite the society, and "build a Hong Kong with vibrancy, hope and opportunities as well as a caring and inclusive culture".

Lee will take office on July 1st.