Xi Says John Lee Will Bring New Atmosphere To HK

President Xi Jinping on Monday congratulated John Lee on his appointment as Hong Kong's next chief executive, saying he believes the incoming administration will bring a new atmosphere to the SAR.

The meeting in Beijing came hours after Lee received his official appointment letter from Premier Li Keqiang.

Speaking in the capital, Xi told Lee that the central government has trust in him, hailing him for his love for the nation and Hong Kong, his willingness to shoulder responsibility, and his contribution to safeguarding national security and maintaining the SAR's stability.

Xi also reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to the One Country, Two Systems principle, adding that he hopes the new government will usher in a new chapter for Hong Kong.

"Despite experiencing many challenges in the past 25 years, One Country, Two Systems in Hong Kong has achieved universally recognised success. The central government's determination in comprehensively and accurately implementing the principle has never wavered, and will never change," Xi said.

"With the joint efforts of the central government, the SAR administration, and all sectors of society, Hong Kong has returned from chaos to stability. Now we are at a critical period on moving towards prosperity, I believe the new administration's governance will certainly bring a new atmosphere, and write a new chapter for the city's development."

Lee sincerely thanked the central government for its trust, and said it was an honour of a lifetime.