Chinese officials on Sunday appointed John Lee, 64, as the new chief of Hong Kong in place of outgoing leader Carrie Lam.

Lee was the only candidate in the fray and is due to become Hong Kong's chief executive from July 1 as Carrie Lam ends her first term.

Who is John Lee?

Lee is Hong Kong's former deputy commissioner of police and security chief. Lee said it was his "historic mission" to lead Hong Kong which witnessed large scale anti-government protests in 2019 and has been ravaged by a new coronavirus wave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-hong-kong-plummeted-68-places-in-the-recent-press-freedom-rankings-476076">Also Read:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/why-hong-kong-plummeted-68-places-in-the-recent-press-freedom-rankings-476076" hreflang="en">Why Hong Kong plummeted 68 places in the recent press freedom rankings</a>

The new chief belongs to a working-class family and has been known to crack down on anti-government protesters three years ago as China implemented the Hong Kong National Security Law. He reportedly has the confidence of Bejing leaders.&nbsp;

Lee has promised to revive the city's economy and work towards unity as citizens grapple with virus and anti-China feelings after the crackdown in 2019. In his manifesto, Lee had vowed to strengthen governance, tackle housing and work towards overall competitiveness to build an inclusive society and ensure upward mobility for the youth.

Lee studied in the&nbsp;University of Hong Kong and has worked at various levels in Hong Kong's police service. The new Hong Kong chief is married with two sons.

Watch:&nbsp;Ex-security Chief John Lee succeeds Carrie Lam

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&nbsp;Lee's election

Hong Kong's new leader received backing from election committee members who were primarily in favour of pro-China policies. He was voted to power by 1,416 members as eight people reportedly decided not to support him.&nbsp;

Lee reportedly won 99 per cent of the votes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Chinese officials on Sunday appointed John Lee, 64, as the new chief of Hong Kong in place of outgoing leader Carrie Lam. Lee was the only candidate in the fray and is due to become Hong Kong's chief executive from July 1 as Carrie Lam ends her first term.

Chinese officials on Sunday appointed John Lee, 64, as the new chief of Hong Kong in place of outgoing leader Carrie Lam. Lee was the only candidate in the fray and is due to become Hong Kong's chief executive from July 1 as Carrie Lam ends her first term. Who is John Lee? Lee is Hong Kong's former deputy commissioner of police and security chief. Lee said it was his "historic mission" to lead Hong Kong which witnessed large scale anti-government protests in 2019 and has been ravaged by a new coronavirus wave. Also Read: Why Hong Kong plummeted 68 places in the recent press freedom rankings The new chief belongs to a working-class family and has been known to crack down on anti-government protesters three years ago as China implemented the Hong Kong National Security Law. He reportedly has the confidence of Bejing leaders. Lee has promised to revive the city's economy and work towards unity as citizens grapple with virus and anti-China feelings after the crackdown in 2019. In his manifesto, Lee had vowed to strengthen governance, tackle housing and work towards overall competitiveness to build an inclusive society and ensure upward mobility for the youth. Lee studied in the University of Hong Kong and has worked at various levels in Hong Kong's police service. The new Hong Kong chief is married with two sons. Watch: Ex-security Chief John Lee succeeds Carrie Lam Lee's election Hong Kong's new leader received backing from election committee members who were primarily in favour of pro-China policies. He was voted to power by 1,416 members as eight people reportedly decided not to support him. Lee reportedly won 99 per cent of the votes. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

China appoints new Hong Kong leader: Who is John Lee?

Hong Kong has got a new Chief Executive. Ex-security Chief John Lee ran a one horse race to succeed Hong Kong's outgoing leader Carrie Lam. Lee is also one of the 11 senior Hong Kong and Beijing officials who has been sanctioned by the US over crackdown on protests in 2019

Hong Kong: Ex-security Chief John Lee succeeds Carrie Lam

&nbsp;Hong Kong's former No. 2 official John Lee, who has announced he will run in a&nbsp;leadership&nbsp;election in May, said on Saturday he plans a new chapter for the global financial hub that has been wracked by unprecedented upheaval with protests and COVID-19.

Lee, 64, resigned on Wednesday to run to replace Chief Executive Carrie Lam, whose five-year term ends on June 30. Lam oversaw one of the most tumultuous periods in Hong Kong history with pro-democracy demonstrations and coronavirus.

"This will be&nbsp;a new symphony and I am the conductor," Lee, who was the city's security chief during anti-government protests in 2019, told a press conference.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-deputy-chief-says-he-plans-to-run-for-citys-top-job-468986">Hong Kong deputy chief says he plans to run for city's top job</a>

"Together, we will play a more splendid new piece for Hong Kong."

Fleshing out his policy platform, Lee said loyalty to the central government was a priority for any chief executive and part of his platform included accelerating plans to resolve the city's chronic housing shortage.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Hong Kong separates 2,000 Covid-positive children from parents

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Hong Kong media reports said this week that Beijing officials want Lee to be the only candidate, and will not give the green light to others to stand against him.

Lee said he welcomed any other&nbsp;leadership&nbsp;contenders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activists-fade-from-view-as-national-security-case-drags-469025">Hong Kong activists fade from view as national security case drags</a>

The city's four biggest property tycoons, including CK Asset's Victor Li, son of billionaire Li Ka-shing, said in separate statements this week that Lee was a suitable candidate to lead Hong Kong to stability.

The show of support, from some of the city's most powerful property tycoons, came before Lee officially announced his bid to run for leader, signalling the move had already been approved and received tacit approval from some Hong Kong business people.

Hong Kong's former No. 2 official John Lee, who has announced he will run in a leadership election in May, said on Saturday he plans a new chapter for the global financial hub that has been wracked by unprecedented upheaval with protests and COVID-19.

Hong Kong's former No. 2 official John Lee, who has announced he will run in a leadership election in May, said on Saturday he plans a new chapter for the global financial hub that has been wracked by unprecedented upheaval with protests and COVID-19. Lee, 64, resigned on Wednesday to run to replace Chief Executive Carrie Lam, whose five-year term ends on June 30. Lam oversaw one of the most tumultuous periods in Hong Kong history with pro-democracy demonstrations and coronavirus. "This will be a new symphony and I am the conductor," Lee, who was the city's security chief during anti-government protests in 2019, told a press conference. Also read | Hong Kong deputy chief says he plans to run for city's top job "Together, we will play a more splendid new piece for Hong Kong." Fleshing out his policy platform, Lee said loyalty to the central government was a priority for any chief executive and part of his platform included accelerating plans to resolve the city's chronic housing shortage. Watch | Gravitas: Hong Kong separates 2,000 Covid-positive children from parents Hong Kong media reports said this week that Beijing officials want Lee to be the only candidate, and will not give the green light to others to stand against him. Lee said he welcomed any other leadership contenders. Also read | Hong Kong activists fade from view as national security case drags The city's four biggest property tycoons, including CK Asset's Victor Li, son of billionaire Li Ka-shing, said in separate statements this week that Lee was a suitable candidate to lead Hong Kong to stability. The show of support, from some of the city's most powerful property tycoons, came before Lee officially announced his bid to run for leader, signalling the move had already been approved and received tacit approval from some Hong Kong business people.

Hong Kong leadership contender John Lee says he plans a new chapter for the global financial hub

Hong Kong Chief Secretary&nbsp;John&nbsp;Lee, a security official during the global financial hub's prolonged and often violent 2019 pro-democracy protests, said on Wednesday he had resigned in a bid to run in an election in May to become the city's new leader.

Lee, 64, a former deputy commissioner of police, was promoted to the global financial hub's No. 2 role in 2021 in a move that some political analysts said signalled Beijing's priorities for Hong Kong were security rather than the economy.

"I indicate in the letter the reason for my resignation is that if my resignation is approved by the Central People's Government, I shall plan to prepare to stand for the upcoming chief executive election,"&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;said at a news conference.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-firm-surges-229-in-hong-kong-after-claims-its-covid-drug-reduces-deaths-and-hospitalisation-report-468844">Chinese firm surges 229% in Hong Kong after claims its Covid drug reduces deaths and hospitalisation: Report</a>

He is the first government official to announce a bid for the Chinese-ruled city's top job, with media reporting that he will be the only candidate in the chief executive election due to take place on May 8.

Lee&nbsp;was among other senior Hong Kong and Chinese officials sanctioned by the United States in 2020 for what Washington described as their role in curbing Hong Kong's freedoms under a sweeping national security law imposed on the city by Beijing.

Hong Kong and Chinese authorities deny individual rights are being eroded and say the security legislation was needed to restore stability after prolonged unrest in 2019.

Previous chief executives had extensive economic and social policy-making expertise and&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;was the first security official to lead the city in his role as chief secretary.&nbsp;Lee's promotion to the city's No. 2 position saw police chief Chris Tang take the security secretary post previously occupied by&nbsp;Lee.

Watch |&nbsp;Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam to step down as city's chief executive, won't seek re-election

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Last year, as Hong Kong's security chief,&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;sent letters to media tycoon Jimmy Lai and branches of HSBC and Citibank threatening up to seven years' jail for any dealings with the billionaire's accounts in the city, according to documents seen by Reuters.
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Rise of security officials

His bid for the city's top political post is a sign of the growing power security officials are gaining in the former British colony after faithfully implementing Beijing's new laws. If successful,&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;would be the first person with a security background to lead Hong Kong since it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Lee's announcement comes two days after incumbent Chief Executive Carrie Lam said she would not seek a second five-year term, saying "it's time for me to go home", after presiding over one of the most tumultuous periods in Hong Kong's history.

Previous chief secretaries had extensive economic and social policy-making expertise and&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;is the first security official to lead the city in his role as chief secretary.&nbsp;Lee's promotion to the city's No. 2 position saw police chief Chris Tang take the security secretary post previously occupied by&nbsp;Lee.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/carrie-lam-leader-who-helped-usher-in-the-era-of-beijings-dominance-in-hong-kong-468269">Carrie Lam: Leader who helped usher in the era of Beijing's dominance in Hong Kong</a>

Last year,&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;led the vetting of candidates for the first "patriots-only" election for a new-look Legislative Council, where only those loyal to Beijing were allowed to run.

Lee&nbsp;holds a degree from Charles Sturt University in Australia, and joined the Hong Kong Police in 1977.

He played a key role in trying to implement a contentious proposed extradition law in 2019 that divided Hong Kong society and triggered the mass protests. That legislation was eventually scrapped amid widespread public calls for&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;to quit.

Some observers of Hong Kong politics describe him as resolute, earnest and efficient, but lacking a natural feel for politics.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-to-leave-office-468212">Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam not seek a second term</a>

Known for his hawkish stance,&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;had spearheaded the city's disciplinary forces, including the police, in the national security crackdown, which saw mass arrests of democratic activists, politicians, students and journalists.

In one high-profile action this year,&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;sent a letter to the Wall Street Journal, demanding the newspaper support, rather than criticise a raid by 200 police on a liberal media outlet, Stand News, that led to the arrest of senior editors and the online news portal's closure.

Hong Kong Chief Secretary John Lee, a security official during the global financial hub's prolonged and often violent 2019 pro-democracy protests, said on Wednesday he had resigned in a bid to run in an election in May to become the city's new leader.

Hong Kong Chief Secretary John Lee, a security official during the global financial hub's prolonged and often violent 2019 pro-democracy protests, said on Wednesday he had resigned in a bid to run in an election in May to become the city's new leader. Lee, 64, a former deputy commissioner of police, was promoted to the global financial hub's No. 2 role in 2021 in a move that some political analysts said signalled Beijing's priorities for Hong Kong were security rather than the economy. "I indicate in the letter the reason for my resignation is that if my resignation is approved by the Central People's Government, I shall plan to prepare to stand for the upcoming chief executive election," Lee said at a news conference. Also read | Chinese firm surges 229% in Hong Kong after claims its Covid drug reduces deaths and hospitalisation: Report He is the first government official to announce a bid for the Chinese-ruled city's top job, with media reporting that he will be the only candidate in the chief executive election due to take place on May 8. Lee was among other senior Hong Kong and Chinese officials sanctioned by the United States in 2020 for what Washington described as their role in curbing Hong Kong's freedoms under a sweeping national security law imposed on the city by Beijing. Hong Kong and Chinese authorities deny individual rights are being eroded and say the security legislation was needed to restore stability after prolonged unrest in 2019. Previous chief executives had extensive economic and social policy-making expertise and Lee was the first security official to lead the city in his role as chief secretary. Lee's promotion to the city's No. 2 position saw police chief Chris Tang take the security secretary post previously occupied by Lee. Watch | Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam to step down as city's chief executive, won't seek re-election Last year, as Hong Kong's security chief, Lee sent letters to media tycoon Jimmy Lai and branches of HSBC and Citibank threatening up to seven years' jail for any dealings with the billionaire's accounts in the city, according to documents seen by Reuters. Rise of security officials His bid for the city's top political post is a sign of the growing power security officials are gaining in the former British colony after faithfully implementing Beijing's new laws. If successful, Lee would be the first person with a security background to lead Hong Kong since it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Lee's announcement comes two days after incumbent Chief Executive Carrie Lam said she would not seek a second five-year term, saying "it's time for me to go home", after presiding over one of the most tumultuous periods in Hong Kong's history. Previous chief secretaries had extensive economic and social policy-making expertise and Lee is the first security official to lead the city in his role as chief secretary. Lee's promotion to the city's No. 2 position saw police chief Chris Tang take the security secretary post previously occupied by Lee. Also read | Carrie Lam: Leader who helped usher in the era of Beijing's dominance in Hong Kong Last year, Lee led the vetting of candidates for the first "patriots-only" election for a new-look Legislative Council, where only those loyal to Beijing were allowed to run. Lee holds a degree from Charles Sturt University in Australia, and joined the Hong Kong Police in 1977. He played a key role in trying to implement a contentious proposed extradition law in 2019 that divided Hong Kong society and triggered the mass protests. That legislation was eventually scrapped amid widespread public calls for Lee to quit. Some observers of Hong Kong politics describe him as resolute, earnest and efficient, but lacking a natural feel for politics. Also read | Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam not seek a second term Known for his hawkish stance, Lee had spearheaded the city's disciplinary forces, including the police, in the national security crackdown, which saw mass arrests of democratic activists, politicians, students and journalists. In one high-profile action this year, Lee sent a letter to the Wall Street Journal, demanding the newspaper support, rather than criticise a raid by 200 police on a liberal media outlet, Stand News, that led to the arrest of senior editors and the online news portal's closure.

Hong Kong deputy chief says he plans to run for city's top job

Hong Kong's acting chief executive John Lee said on Thursday that the city is returning&nbsp;to order from chaos since China imposed a sweeping national security law on the global financial hub last year.

Beijing imposed the security law just before midnight on June 30 last year to punish anything China deems as subversion, secession, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-ways-hong-kong-has-changed-under-chinas-security-law-310644">Five ways Hong Kong has changed under China's security law</a>

The security law was Beijing's first major step to put the global financial hub onto an authoritarian path, kick-starting a campaign dubbed "patriots rule Hong Kong," which included moves to reduce democratic representation in the city's legislature and various screening mechanisms for politicians.

Lee was speaking for the first time as acting city leader at a flag-raising ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of the former British colony's return to Chinese rule in 1997, which coincides with the centenary of the Chinese Communist Party.

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Chief Executive Carrie Lam and other senior officials were invited to Beijing for the party celebrations. Lee was appointed as her number two&nbsp;last week after playing a key role in the city's crackdown over the past year as security secretary.

"In the coming year, we will continue to take a steady stance to protect national security," Lee said. "Hong Kong absolutely has the conditions to rebound from a trough."

Lee said the security legislation and electoral reforms had made "Hong Kong society change from chaos to order."

Critics of the government say it has used the security law to crush dissent in the former British colony, an assertion officials in Beijing and Hong Kong reject.

Supporters of the legislation say it has restored order and plugged national security "loopholes" exposed by anti-government demonstrations in 2019.

So far under the new law, described as a "birthday gift" by senior Chinese official Zhang Xiaoming when it was introduced last year, authorities have arrested 117 people, mostly democratic politicians, activists, journalists and students.

Beijing said it was necessary after mass pro-democracy and anti-China protests in 2019 that have been described as acts endangering national security. Many protesters, however, say they were demanding Beijing respect constitutionally guaranteed rights and freedoms.

Usually on July 1, tens of thousands of people take to the streets in Hong Kong to protest against anything from Beijing's manoeuvres in the city to unaffordable housing.

That tradition, which set the semi-autonomous city apart from tightly controlled mainland China, is unlikely to be followed by many people this year after police denied permission for a rally, citing coronavirus restrictions.

"It is crystal clear that under the NSL (national security law), over a year, it does have a chilling effect on Hong Kong people ... less people would have the confidence to go on the street to speak out," said Raphael Wong, an activist with the League of Social Democrats who held a protest with three others that was hemmed in by dozens of police officers.

In many other areas, there was a palpable security presence, with police vans, water cannon trucks, armoured vehicles and units of police officers patrolling many areas.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong's acting chief executive John Lee said on Thursday that the city is returning to order from chaos since China imposed a sweeping national security law on the global financial hub last year.

Hong Kong's acting chief executive John Lee said on Thursday that the city is returning to order from chaos since China imposed a sweeping national security law on the global financial hub last year. Beijing imposed the security law just before midnight on June 30 last year to punish anything China deems as subversion, secession, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. Also see | Five ways Hong Kong has changed under China's security law The security law was Beijing's first major step to put the global financial hub onto an authoritarian path, kick-starting a campaign dubbed "patriots rule Hong Kong," which included moves to reduce democratic representation in the city's legislature and various screening mechanisms for politicians. Lee was speaking for the first time as acting city leader at a flag-raising ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of the former British colony's return to Chinese rule in 1997, which coincides with the centenary of the Chinese Communist Party. Chief Executive Carrie Lam and other senior officials were invited to Beijing for the party celebrations. Lee was appointed as her number two last week after playing a key role in the city's crackdown over the past year as security secretary. "In the coming year, we will continue to take a steady stance to protect national security," Lee said. "Hong Kong absolutely has the conditions to rebound from a trough." Lee said the security legislation and electoral reforms had made "Hong Kong society change from chaos to order." Critics of the government say it has used the security law to crush dissent in the former British colony, an assertion officials in Beijing and Hong Kong reject. Supporters of the legislation say it has restored order and plugged national security "loopholes" exposed by anti-government demonstrations in 2019. So far under the new law, described as a "birthday gift" by senior Chinese official Zhang Xiaoming when it was introduced last year, authorities have arrested 117 people, mostly democratic politicians, activists, journalists and students. Beijing said it was necessary after mass pro-democracy and anti-China protests in 2019 that have been described as acts endangering national security. Many protesters, however, say they were demanding Beijing respect constitutionally guaranteed rights and freedoms. Usually on July 1, tens of thousands of people take to the streets in Hong Kong to protest against anything from Beijing's manoeuvres in the city to unaffordable housing. That tradition, which set the semi-autonomous city apart from tightly controlled mainland China, is unlikely to be followed by many people this year after police denied permission for a rally, citing coronavirus restrictions. "It is crystal clear that under the NSL (national security law), over a year, it does have a chilling effect on Hong Kong people ... less people would have the confidence to go on the street to speak out," said Raphael Wong, an activist with the League of Social Democrats who held a protest with three others that was hemmed in by dozens of police officers. In many other areas, there was a palpable security presence, with police vans, water cannon trucks, armoured vehicles and units of police officers patrolling many areas. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong returning to stability after 'chaos', says acting chief executive John Lee

China on Friday approved the promotion of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's security secretary John Lee to the chief secretary, while police chief Chris Tang will take Lee's position in what critics say will further tighten Beijing's security squeeze on the global financial hub.

The elevation of Lee, 63, a former police deputy commissioner, to the chief secretary, is the first time a security specialist has taken on the number two position in the territory since&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997.

Other former chief secretaries have had extensive economic and social policy-making expertise.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-person-charged-under-hong-kongs-national-security-law-pleads-not-guilty-393271">First person charged under Hong Kong's national security law pleads not guilty</a>

"They have had distinguished performance in the government over the years and possess proven leadership skills," Chief Executive Carrie Lam,&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's leader, said in a statement. "I am confident that they are competent for their new posts and would rise to the challenges in serving the community."

Beijing's imposition of sweeping national security law in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;in June 2020 has put China's freest city on an authoritarian trajectory, with mass arrests of democratic campaigners, curbs on public assemblies and free speech.

The reshuffle could further empower security officials, critics say, who have faithfully implemented Beijing's new security regimen to strengthen control and clamp down on freedoms in the former British colony after mass pro-democracy protests in 2019.

"The promotion of John Lee and Chris Tang completes the swift and total transformation of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;into a police state," said Samuel Chu of the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Democracy Council.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-lam-says-action-against-apple-daily-does-not-target-press-freedom-393069">Hong Kong leader Lam says action against Apple Daily does not target press freedom</a>

Lam and Lee are expected to travel to Beijing for the Chinese Communist Party's centenary celebrations next week, local media reported.

Lee and Tang, 55, were among 11&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;and Chinese officials sanctioned by the US&nbsp;government last August for undermining&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong’s autonomy and democratic processes after the enactment of the national security law.

That clampdown has seen mass arrests of democratic activists and politicians, and a freeze on the assets of the pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper on national security grounds that led to its abrupt closure this week.

Chinese and&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;officials say the national security law has restored stability and order to&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, maintaining that rights and freedoms aren't absolute.

One source who has worked with Lee said he is resolute, earnest and efficient but, as a career police officer, "doesn't have a natural feel for the politics of a highly-polarised&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong."

China on Friday approved the promotion of Hong Kong's security secretary John Lee to the chief secretary, while police chief Chris Tang will take Lee's position in what critics say will further tighten Beijing's security squeeze on the global financial hub.

China on Friday approved the promotion of Hong Kong's security secretary John Lee to the chief secretary, while police chief Chris Tang will take Lee's position in what critics say will further tighten Beijing's security squeeze on the global financial hub. The elevation of Lee, 63, a former police deputy commissioner, to the chief secretary, is the first time a security specialist has taken on the number two position in the territory since Hong Kong's handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Other former chief secretaries have had extensive economic and social policy-making expertise. Also read | First person charged under Hong Kong's national security law pleads not guilty "They have had distinguished performance in the government over the years and possess proven leadership skills," Chief Executive Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's leader, said in a statement. "I am confident that they are competent for their new posts and would rise to the challenges in serving the community." Beijing's imposition of sweeping national security law in Hong Kong in June 2020 has put China's freest city on an authoritarian trajectory, with mass arrests of democratic campaigners, curbs on public assemblies and free speech. The reshuffle could further empower security officials, critics say, who have faithfully implemented Beijing's new security regimen to strengthen control and clamp down on freedoms in the former British colony after mass pro-democracy protests in 2019. "The promotion of John Lee and Chris Tang completes the swift and total transformation of Hong Kong into a police state," said Samuel Chu of the Hong Kong Democracy Council. Also read | Hong Kong leader Lam says action against Apple Daily does not target press freedom Lam and Lee are expected to travel to Beijing for the Chinese Communist Party's centenary celebrations next week, local media reported. Lee and Tang, 55, were among 11 Hong Kong and Chinese officials sanctioned by the US government last August for undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy and democratic processes after the enactment of the national security law. That clampdown has seen mass arrests of democratic activists and politicians, and a freeze on the assets of the pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper on national security grounds that led to its abrupt closure this week. Chinese and Hong Kong officials say the national security law has restored stability and order to Hong Kong, maintaining that rights and freedoms aren't absolute. One source who has worked with Lee said he is resolute, earnest and efficient but, as a career police officer, "doesn't have a natural feel for the politics of a highly-polarised Hong Kong."

China reshuffles Hong Kong top officials

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