John Lee says saddened by death of former Premier Li Keqiang

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said he was saddened by the death of former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and expressed deep condolences towards his family on Saturday morning. 

State-run CCTV announced that Li died of a sudden heart attack in Shanghai at 12.10 am on Friday. 

Speaking after a radio program this morning, Lee recalled that Li handed him the State Council Order in person to announce his appointment as Chief Executive in Beijing last May. 

Lee continued that he had reported for duty to Li who cared so much about Hong Kong. 

Li also cared about Hong Kong citizens and stressed the importance of implementing the “one country two systems” unwaveringly, Hongkongers rule Hong Kong, the high degree of autonomy and safeguarding Hong Kong’s constitutional order under the Basic Law, Lee said. 

Lee’s comment marked the Hong Kong government’s first ever response on the matter in more than 24 hours after the news was announced by CCTV around 8 am on Friday. 

Lee believes the Central Government will announce details on official mourning arrangements in due course and will closely monitor relevant announcements.