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.
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