‘New chapter’ for Hong Kong as Chinese president praises incoming leader John Lee

Chinese President Xi Jinping has held a meeting with Hong Kong’s newly elected chief executive, John Lee Ka-chiu. The two met in Beijing on May 30, 2022, after Lee received a formal letter of appointment from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. President Xi praised Hong Kong’s incoming leader as a patriot dedicated to safeguarding national security, and expressed confidence in Lee being able to take the city to new heights. Xi also stressed that the central government remains committed to the “one country, two systems” principle – under which Hong Kong is allowed a high degree of autonomy – saying the arrangement had “never been shaken” and would not change.