John Lee Ka-chiu is the current Chief Executive of Hong Kong

 

John Lee Ka-chiu is the current Chief Executive of Hong Kong, a position he has held since July 1, 2022. He has had a long and varied career in public service, starting with the Hong Kong Police Force, where he rose through the ranks to become Deputy Commissioner of Police in 2010.

Lee's career in the police force spanned over three decades, during which he held various positions, including Commander of the Police Training School and Director of the Police College. He was also involved in the development of the Hong Kong Police Force's strategic framework and was a key figure in the force's response to the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests.

In 2012, Lee was appointed as the Under Secretary for Security, and in 2017, he became the Secretary for Security, overseeing the Hong Kong Police Force, the Immigration Department, and the Customs and Excise Department. During his tenure as Secretary for Security, Lee was known for his hardline stance against the pro-democracy movement and his role in pushing for the controversial extradition bill in 2019, which sparked widespread protests and unrest in Hong Kong.

Lee's selection as Chief Executive was seen as a move by the Chinese government to further tighten its grip on Hong Kong. He is widely seen as a loyalist to Beijing and has been criticized for his role in suppressing dissent and limiting freedoms in Hong Kong.

As Chief Executive, Lee has pledged to restore order and stability to Hong Kong, and has vowed to implement measures to prevent future protests and unrest. However, his tenure has been marked by ongoing protests and criticism from pro-democracy groups, who see him as a symbol of Beijing's increasing control over the city.

Despite the controversy surrounding his appointment, Lee has also taken steps to address some of the underlying issues driving the protests, including announcing plans to increase housing supply and address economic inequality.

Overall, John Lee's career has been marked by his rise through the ranks of the Hong Kong Police Force and his subsequent roles in the government, where he has been a key figure in shaping the city's security and political landscape. His appointment as Chief Executive has been controversial, but he remains a significant figure in Hong Kong's political scene.