When Asked About Seeking Re-election, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Says 'We'll Know When the Time Comes'

Hong Kong is set to hold its next Chief Executive election in 2027. Incumbent Chief Executive John Lee, in a recent interview, was asked whether he plans to seek re-election. He responded that this is not something he is currently considering, adding, 'We'll know when the time comes.'

Lee's current term runs from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2027. In an interview published by the South China Morning Post on the 14th, when pressed on a potential re-election bid, Lee stated, 'In politics, one year is a very long time. Many things can be accomplished, and many events can unfold within a single year.'

He emphasized that his current focus is on achieving more during the final year of his term. He expressed a positive outlook on Hong Kong's future economic development.

Lee described serving as Chief Executive as a mission of selfless dedication, stating that one should strive wholeheartedly for the overall interests of Hong Kong, which he emphasized are more important than his personal interests.

When asked again whether he would run for re-election, he reiterated, 'I am not thinking about this issue now. We'll know when the time comes.'

Meanwhile, the Sing Tao Daily reported on the 15th that Xia Baolong, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, arrived in Hong Kong on the 16th for a two-day inspection visit. The visit is expected to be related to Hong Kong's preparation of its first 'Five-Year Plan.' (Edited by Chen Kai-yu / Lu Jia-rong)