A veteran Hong Kong law enforcement official, John Lee, has announced his plan to run for the city’s top job, in a sign Beijing is focused on deepening its crackdown on dissent in the Asian financial hub.
Hong Kong’s No. 2 official told a news briefing Wednesday that he had notified outgoing Chief Executive Carrie Lam in a letter that he would step down and seek her job. "Having been in the government for over 40 years, to serve the people of Hong Kong is a glory,” Lee said, adding that he will elaborate on his agenda once his candidacy has been formally approved by Beijing.
China’s Liaison Office told local elites earlier Wednesday that Lee, 64, had the blessing of President Xi Jinping’s government to become chief executive, media including the South China Morning Post reported, citing people familiar with the matter. No other candidates were expected to be endorsed by Beijing.