01/10/2022 | 09:30
Hong Kong’s leader vowed on Saturday to revive its faltering economy after a campaign to crush a pro-democracy movement, as the Chinese Communist Party celebrates the 73rd anniversary of taking power under strict anti-virus controls.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee warned in a speech that COVID-19 “continues to cast a shadow over” the city of more than 7 million people. He promised to revive the faltering economy and “protect people’s livelihoods” while easing travel and other anti-virus restrictions.
Lee, who took office in July, is a former police chief who oversaw a campaign that arrested pro-democracy activists, shut down a major newspaper and sparked a mass exodus of residents to Britain, the United States and Taiwan.
“Hong Kong is now undergoing a crucial transition from stability to prosperity,” said Lee, who wore a red mask the color of the Chinese flag and was surrounded by masked figures at a downtown convention center. “I have complete confidence in Hong Kong’s future, and you have to do it.”
Lee cited the slogan “patriots run Hong Kong” in reference to official efforts to prevent pro-democracy activists from holding public office. He said President Xi Jinping’s speech during a visit on July 1 would be his government’s “governance plan”.
The US, UK and other governments are complaining that Beijing’s crackdown on Hong Kong in response to pro-democracy protests that began in 2019 is violating its promise of self-rule for the former British colony.
Washington and other governments have imposed sanctions on some officials associated with the suppression and withdrawal of trade and other concessions that treat Hong Kong as a separate territory from the mainland.
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