Lee appointed Hong Kong chief executive

The State Council has appointed John Lee as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, with Premier Li Keqiang saying that the central government will fully support the chief executive and the SAR government in exercising governance according to the law to ensure the region's long-term prosperity and stability.

The decision on the appointment was made by a plenary meeting of the State Council presided over by Premier Li on Friday. Lee will take office on July 1.

Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, reported to the participants in the meeting how the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR was elected.

He said that the election process was strictly in accordance with the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and other relevant laws, and was based on the principles of openness, fairness and justice.

Speaking at the meeting, Li said that the central government will continue to fully, faithfully and unswervingly implement the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, ensure the central government's full jurisdiction over Hong Kong, and strictly follow the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong".

The central government will also support Hong Kong in consolidating its status as an international financial, trade and transport hub, improving its international competitiveness, integrating its growth into the country's overall development and ensuring the region's long-term prosperity and stability, Li said.

He added that he is confident Lee will lead and unite the new-term SAR government and Hong Kong residents to create new development prospects for the region.

Lee issued a statement shortly after the appointment was declared, saying that he will shoulder his mission with loyalty and perseverance.

"I shall rise to the challenges ahead at my best, strive to help the needy, unite the society, and build a Hong Kong with vibrancy, hope and opportunities as well as a caring and inclusive culture," Lee said.