Japan no-show at Legco cocktails

Fifty consulate officials, including United States Consul General Gregory May, yesterday had cocktails with lawmakers after three years of pandemic during their first visit to the patriots-only Legislative Council since the electoral reform in December.

But the consul general of Japan in Hong Kong, Kenichi Okada, who had an unhappy talk with Executive Council convener and New People's Party chairwoman Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee earlier yesterday, did not show up.

Also not at the cocktails was UK Consul General Brian Davidson, but his deputy, Sarah Robinson, represented him.

The president of the Legislative Council, Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, thanked the consulates for their support for Hong Kong, which has returned to stability, and the economy is also recovering after the 2019 social unrest and pandemic.

He said with the improvement of the electoral system and the principle of patriots ruling Hong Kong, the operation of the Legislative Council would be more orderly and constructive.

Some foreign consuls said this was a good opportunity for them to get to know each other and the lawmakers, as well as an opportunity for them to exchange views on issues of mutual concern.

The 44 consul generals or their representatives and 14 honorary consuls also attended a guided tour of the Legco complex, and listened to Leung's briefing on the work of Legco and the expansion project.

Some lawmakers expressed concerns on Japan's discharge of nuclear wastewater.

Leung Tsz-wing and Chan Wing-yan, representing the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, said it was a pity Japan did not attend the reception and explain to lawmakers if the discharge was safe.

Legco president Leung did not comment on Okada's absence, but said all the consulates had been invited.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said he will start consulting opinions on his second policy address and will lead a delegation to South Asia next month.

The Executive Council went into recess after the meeting yesterday although it would still hold internal discussions through different focus groups and discuss issues with departments, Lee said.

He also said he would prepare for his second policy address in October.

Later this month, he would launch a public consultation to listen to the views and suggestions of lawmakers, various sectors and the public, as well as to listen to public opinion in the districts, in the hope that his administration would be more comprehensive.

Lee will lead a delegation to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia later this month.

He hoped to explore new business opportunities for Hong Kong.