Hong Kong's likely leader pledges to "solidify" its international role (updated)

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29/04/2022 08:00

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    By Clare Jim and James Pomfret
    HONG KONG, April 29 (Reuters) - Hong Kong's sole candidate
to become its next leader mapped out his policy platform on
Friday, saying his focus will be on enhancing the city's
governance, increasing the housing supply and maintaining its
international status. 
    John Lee, 64, a former deputy head of police, is expected to
be appointed Hong Kong's chief executive in a selection process
on May 8, with the backing of Beijing.         
    "We are the access to the mainland market. These are the
strengths that will not be replaced by any cities in China or
any countries in the world," Lee told reporters after the launch
of his manifesto entitled "Starting a new chapter for Hong Kong
together". 
    Lee is due to take over as the former British colony's chief
executive on July 1, replacing Carrie Lam who is stepping down
at the end of her first term. Critics have blamed Lam for
mishandling crises including anti-government protests in 2019
and COVID-19.
    Lee will take over the Chinese-ruled city amid growing
concern in the financial community that its role as an
international hub of commerce could be at risk.
    The questions have been raised partly because of extended
COVID lockdowns but also because of a 2020 national security law
that critics, including Western governments, say authorities
have used to clamp down on opposition democrats, the media and
free speech.
    Hong Kong and Chinese officials argue that the law has
restored stability to Hong Kong and will safeguard its economic
success.
    Lee did not refer to the controversy over the law in his
manifesto but said he would seek to preserve Hong Kong's "global
inter-connectivity" and "solidify its position as a leading
international city".
    Lee and several other officials were sanctioned by the
United States in 2020 over what it said was their role in
curbing the city's freedoms under the China-imposed national
security law.
    
    'HOUSING IS KEY'
    Speaking to supporters as he presented his manifesto, Lee
said Hong Kong would develop a new metropolis area in its north
on the border with mainland China and turn it into a new growth
engine.
    "It is an important element for our integration with the GBA
and mainland China," he said, referring to the Greater Bay Area,
a Chinese government plan to link commercial centres around the
mouth of the Pearl river.
    "Through the 'Northern Metropolis' we will have many
development opportunities with Shenzhen to complement with each
other," he said, referring to the neighbouring Chinese city.
    Lee said the new development would also help address the
perennial problem of affordable housing, and the government
would streamline procedures to build more housing more
efficiently.
    "Housing is the key to solve different issues," including
poverty and youth development, he said.
    Providing affordable housing has been a priority for all of
Hong Kong's leaders since the city returned to Chinese rule in
1997 but despite their efforts, many people still live in
cramped spaces such as "cage homes" and sub-divided flats in one
of the world's most expensive property markets.
    Beijing identified housing woes as a major factor behind 
discontent, especially among the city's youth, that led to the 
pro-democracy, anti-government protests in 2019.
    Lee also said he would restructure the Hong Kong
administration to enhance its governance capability and
strengthen its policy research, without giving specifics.
    On the vexed question of security, Lee said in his manifesto
he would lay the foundation for stability by enacting more
security laws and conducting thorough security risk assessments
in areas including finance and infrastructure. 
    No other serious contenders have come forward for the job of
city leader, unlike on previous occasions since Hong Kong
returned to China under a "one country, two systems" formula
aimed at preserving its freedoms.

 (Editing by Robert Birsel)
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