John Lee, Hong Kong’s new chief executive, made his inauguration official this Friday (1st), the day that marks the 25th anniversary of the island’s return to China, with a speech that sets the tone of his embryonic administration. “We will not let down President Xi [Jinping]”, Lee said, referring to the leader of the Chinese regime.
Responsible for leading the broad crackdown on pro-democracy protests on the island in 2019, when he was head of local security, Lee takes over in the wake of Beijing’s increased presence in the region. A sole candidate for local leadership, he was elected by a lean committee made up of supporters of China’s communist regime.
Also during the speech at the Convention and Exhibition Center, in the Wan Chai area, he pledged to strictly follow the task booklet sent by Xi. The list includes strengthening governance and local development, but is most sensitive to “maintaining harmony and stability”, local media reported.
This is what Xi himself, who attended the ceremony, spoke of. More than once, the regime leader mentioned the outbreak of social protests that led to hundreds of activists being arrested and exiled. “Whether it’s the global financial crisis, Covid or some internal social upheaval, nothing has stopped Hong Kong from moving forward,” Xi said.
As he did the day before, he focused his speech on the alleged defense of the “one country, two systems” system, agreed when the island was returned to Beijing and responsible for some autonomy in the region. The scheme, however, was effectively destroyed by the advance of Chinese control, which ranges from public security to rules for elections.
On this last point, Xi resumed his intention to continue tightening the siege: “Keeping political power in the hands of patriots is a political rule commonly practiced in the world; no people, in any country, will allow power to fall into the hands of forces or individuals.” who do not love and betray their own country.”
The declaration configures what, in practice, has already been happening. In the island’s legislative election held in December, marked by low turnout, pro-democracy candidates were absent due to an electoral reform promoted by Beijing so that only those considered “patriots” by China could run.
Xi and Lee’s speeches were criticized by Taiwan, the island which is practically autonomous but has no international recognition and is claimed by Beijing as a rebel province. Premier Su Tseng-chang said freedom in Hong Kong had disappeared and that China had failed to fulfill promises agreed to 25 years ago.
“China’s so-called ‘one country, two systems’ just didn’t stand the test,” he said. “We know we must hold on to Taiwan’s sovereignty, freedom and democracy.”
Criticism also echoed from the UK, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying he will do his best to pressure Beijing to fulfill its promise to respect the way of life of Hong Kong people, with freedom of speech and press, by 2047.
“We simply cannot avoid the fact that for some time now, Beijing has been disrespecting its obligations,” Boris said in a video. “It’s a scenario that threatens both the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers, but also Beijing’s progress.”
