Xi praises 'firm patriot' Lee

President Xi Jinping praised incoming chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu as a "firm patriot," while saying the central government fully recognized and trusted his previous work to safeguard national security and Hong Kong's prosperity.

The speech came hours after Lee received a State Council letter from Premier Li Keqiang that seals his appointment before he is sworn in as chief executive of the sixth SAR administration on July 1.

During the meeting yesterday afternoon on Yingtai Island in Zhongnanhai in Beijing, Xi congratulated Lee for being elected as chief executive while praising him for being a patriot who loves Hong Kong by taking a firm stand and being willing to take on responsibility.

Xi praised Lee for making contributions in safeguarding national security and Hong Kong's prosperity in his previous positions, saying: "The central government fully recognizes [your previous work], and also fully trusts [you]."

He added that the three elections held in Hong Kong - for the Election Committee, the Legislative Council and for the chief executive - proved the new "patriots-only" electoral system is effective in implementing the "patriots ruling Hong Kong" principle.

The new system has also made a decisive impact in safeguarding Hong Kong citizens' right to "make their own decisions" and encouraging different sectors and social classes to cooperate in building a better Hong Kong, according to Xi.

"The new electoral system suits the development of one country, two systems and also the actual situation of Hong Kong," Xi added. "It will also develop a political and democracy system that Hong Kong needs, and therefore the system should be treasured and persist."

Xi also said the central government's determination to implement one country, two systems has never wavered and would never change.

"Hong Kong has returned order to chaos and is currently going from order to prosperity," he said. "I believe the next administration's governance will turn a new page and start a new chapter for Hong Kong."

In response, Lee expressed his "sincere gratitude" for the central government's trust and the appointment of him as the next chief executive. "This is the glory of my life, and I am fully aware of the great responsibility upon me," Lee said. "I will do my utmost to live up to the expectations of the country and the people of Hong Kong."

It is understood that Lee submitted the list of his cabinet to state leaders for approval during the meeting.

Also participating in the meeting were Vice Premier of the State Council Han Zheng, the top Beijing official to oversee Hong Kong and Macau affairs, and director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office Xia Baolong.

Lee will meet with Xia today before returning to Hong Kong in the afternoon.

Earlier, Lee met Premier Li during his first visit to Beijing as Hong Kong's next leader to receive the State Council appointment letter in Ziguang Hall in Zhongnanhai.

Li said the central government will fully support the next administration's governance, developing the economy and improving Hongkongers' livelihoods.

He believes the new administration will unite society and proactively respond to Hongkongers' concerns and keep improving its governance.

Li also hopes Lee's administration will "capitalize on its strengths to serve the country's needs," including enhancing and promoting the SAR's status as an international financial, trade, shipping and innovative technology hub.

At the same time, Lee's administration has to continue controlling the pandemic and solve difficulties and problems that are closely related to society and its stakeholders.

Political commentator Lau Siu-kai, vice president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, said there was "no big surprise" in the speeches by Xi and Li as they were mainly expressing their trust and support of Lee.

But he noted that Xi mentioned in his speech that the new electoral system should persist, which means the current system will be implemented for a long time.

"I am afraid it will disappoint those demanding a reactivation of constitutional reform," Lau said. "This issue, causing a divided society and confrontations, will not be appearing in the city's public agenda."

He added that the two state leaders mentioning less about national security means the central government thinks the National Security Law implemented in Hong Kong in June 2020 and the new electoral system can safeguard national security to a certain extent.

"But that does not mean there are no longer any problems, just that they think it is a crucial time to develop the economy and improve livelihoods at this moment," Lau said.

He added that it was due to the pandemic that fewer state leaders participated in the meetings yesterday