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HK CE election 2022
Hong KongPolitics

‘Reliable’, but limited financial exposure: mixed reaction from business community to John Lee as Hong Kong’s next potential leader

  • Many see Beijing’s backing of Lee as a sign that national security would take top priority
  • They expressed hope that Hong Kong’s No 2 official would be friendly to the business community in a bid to sustain the city’s place as a global financial hub

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Many in the business community saw Beijing’s endorsement of John Lee Ka-chiu as putting emphasis on national security. Photo: Dickson Lee
Laura Westbrook,Chris LauandGary Cheung
Diplomats and business leaders have expressed both cautious optimism as well as disappointment at the possibility of John Lee Ka-chiu taking Hong Kong’s top job. The city’s No 2 official resigned on Wednesday, paving the way for a run in next month’s chief executive election as the sole candidate with Beijing’s blessing.

Many saw the endorsement of Lee as Beijing putting emphasis on national security, but felt the policeman-turned minister’s ability to sustain Hong Kong’s place as a global financial hub would hinge on the depth of his cabinet.

A Hong Kong-based consul general from a European country, who met Lee when he was security minister, described the man as “a capable and serious manager”.

“My personal impression is that he does not come across as a very political figure, but is no doubt seen in Beijing as a reliable operator who will do what he is asked to do by the central government,” the individual, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the Post.

“I think Beijing wants to preserve Hong Kong as an international financial centre but I have no doubt that for Beijing, national security and further strengthening political control over Hong Kong comes first,” the consul general added.

A deputy consul general from another European country, who also does not want to be named, noted that Lee’s endorsement demonstrated “it is what Beijing wants more than what Hongkongers want”.

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