John Lee Receives CE Appointment Letter In Beijing

Incoming chief executive John Lee on Monday received his official letter of appointment from Premier Li Keqiang.

Lee flew to Beijing on Saturday for a four-day trip, three weeks after winning the CE leadership race as the sole contender.

Lee was accompanied by his wife during the meeting, which was attended by other state leaders such as Vice Premier Han Zheng and head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office Xia Baolong.

After handing Lee the appointment letter, the premier said the central government will continue to implement the One Country, Two Systems principle comprehensively and accurately, adding that it will also exercise its jurisdiction over the territory and the principle of patriots governing Hong Kong.

Li also stressed that Beijing will support the city's chief executive and administration to govern the SAR in accordance with the law, while highlighting the need to improve people's livelihoods, contain the coronavirus, and for Hong Kong to integrate into the country's development.

"The central government believes in and looks forward to the new government broadly uniting and leading people from all sectors in Hong Kong, so as to actively respond to concerns in society, continuously improve governance efficiency, as well as consolidate and enhance the city's status as an international financial, trade and transportation centre," Li said.

In response, the CE-elect said he was deeply honoured, and vowed to do his best.

"I will live up to the trust placed in me by the central government and the expectations of the people of Hong Kong. At this important moment of the 25th anniversary marking Hong Kong's return to the motherland, I deeply understand that I am shouldering important responsibilities," Lee said, adding that he will lead the incoming administration with loyalty and perseverance.

Lee will be officially sworn in as chief executive on July 1.