Hong Kong’s next leader receives official appointment letter

By ZEN SOO
Associated Press

HONG KONG (AP) — John Lee has received his official letter of appointment from Beijing a month before he takes over as leader of Hong Kong. Lee is in Beijing on a customary visit after winning the election for chief executive of the southern Chinese city. On Monday, he met with President Xi Jinping, who praised Lee for helping protect national security and Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability. Xi told him: “You have the affirmation and the trust of the central government.” Lee won an uncontested election earlier this month, gaining over 99% of all votes cast by an election committee made up largely of pro-Beijing members.