Hanscom Smith Named New US Envoy In HK

The US Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau has announced that Hanscom Smith, a seasoned diplomat in the region, will succeed Kurt Tong as its envoy to the two SARs starting next month.

Smith had worked in the region for a long period, including in Beijing, Shanghai, Taiwan, Tokyo and Southeast Asia. He was most recently acting as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State responsible for China affairs.

The multi-lingual diplomat, who speaks Mandarin fluently, got married to his Taiwanese partner Eric Lu three years ago.

Kurt Tong will leave Hong Kong in July to join the private sector after three years in the city.

Tong had voiced concerns about the government's plan to change extradition laws, saying it will affect Hong Kong's status as an international business centre.

The Hong Kong government had rebutted his views and said the matter was an internal matter, urging the envoy not to interfere.