Beijing names new top official in Hong Kong administration
Beijing's Liaison Office in Hong Kong has seen a change in leadership, with Zheng Yanxiong being removed from his position and Zhou Ji appointed to take his place. The Central People's Government announced the appointment of Zhou, the executive deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), as the new director of the central government's liaison office in the city.
According to the State Council, China's cabinet, the appointment was effective late on Friday, May 30. Zheng, 61, was concurrently removed from his roles as the director of the liaison office, deputy director of the HKMAO, and advisor to the city's national security committee.
John Lee Ka-chiu, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, welcomed Zhou and expressed gratitude to Zheng for his support of the region. Zhou will also assume Zheng's role on the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of Hong Kong.
Appointed as executive deputy director of the HKMAO in 2023, Zhou has been instrumental in the management and coordination of Hong Kong affairs. He has been deeply familiar with the country's policies for the city and has shown extensive experience in formulating and implementing policies, as well as rich experience in regional governance.
Zheng was appointed as head of the liaison office in January of the same year to succeed Luo Huining. In his tenure, Zheng urged the Hong Kong government to speed up the development of the Northern Metropolis and strengthen the city's cooperation with mainland China to become a "superconnector" and "super value-adder" for the digital economy.
Lee, the city leader, commended Zheng for upholding the "one country, two systems" principle in safeguarding national security and maintaining constitutional order during his time as liaison office chief. He also acknowledged Zheng's full support for the local legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city's mini-constitution.
Zhou's tasks in Hong Kong include supporting the SAR government and chief executive, safeguarding national security, and ensuring the full and accurate implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and the requirement for "patriots administering Hong Kong." He aims to leverage Hong Kong’s advantages with national support, promote its status as an international finance, shipping, and trading hub, and advance innovation and technology as well as talent attraction.
In summary, Zhou Ji is the new senior central government representative overseeing and advising on Hong Kong affairs, national security, and the implementation of central government policies in the region. His appointment marks a significant change in leadership at the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong.
The appointment of Zhou Ji, who possesses extensive experience in policy-and-legislation and regional governance, marks a shift in leadership at the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong, following the removal of Zheng Yanxiong. This change is significant, particularly within the context of war-and-conflicts and politics, as Zhou takes over key responsibilities such as safeguarding national security and supporting the SAR government in implementing policy-and-legislation. His role also includes promoting general-news topics like innovation, technology, and talent attraction, aiming to enhance Hong Kong's standing as an international finance, shipping, and trading hub.
