Hong Kong’s Lee stays coy on second-term bid, says focused on final year
HONG KONG, June 15 (Reuters) — Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee sidestepped questions about whether he plans to run for a second term, saying he is concentrating on the remaining year of his tenure and on ensuring policy stability, the South China Morning Post reported on Monday.
“A year is a long time in politics,” Lee told the newspaper, when pressed on extending his five-year term beyond July next year. He added that his priority is maintaining continuity in governance, as the city prepares to release its first five-year plan before the end of 2026, a move seen as aligning Hong Kong more closely with mainland China’s policymaking cycle.
Lee, a former police officer and security chief, took office in 2022 after Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in the wake of mass anti-government protests and the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership has faced both economic headwinds and public safety challenges, including last November’s deadly fire at the Wang Fuk Court complex that killed 168 people and displaced thousands — the city’s deadliest blaze in decades.
Asked directly whether he was positioning himself for a second term beginning next July, Lee replied, “I don’t think I should consider this question now. I mean, time will come when I see.”
Political analysts note that Lee’s cautious stance reflects the delicate balance of managing post-protest Hong Kong under tightened security legislation while trying to revive business confidence and public trust. The city has seen a modest economic rebound since border reopenings, but high property prices, a sluggish stock market, and the fallout of the Wang Fuk fire have kept public pressure on his administration.
Lee’s term is set to expire in mid-2025. Under Hong Kong’s Basic Law, a chief executive may serve no more than two consecutive terms. If he seeks re-election, he would need approval from the 1,500-member Election Committee, now dominated by pro-Beijing figures. His remarks suggest he is keeping options open, but the decision may ultimately hinge on Beijing’s wishes and the stability of Hong Kong in the coming year.