Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam (R) announces the appointment of John Lee (L) as Chief Secretary during a news conference on June 25, 2021. (Photo: AP-Yonhap)
[Anchor]
Beijing has approved the promotion of a security specialist to the No. 2 position in Hong Kong's government, a move that critics fear could result in tighter controls over society.
With more details, the BBC's Asia-Pacific regional editor Michael Bristow reports.
[Reporter]
John Lee has served in the police force for much of his career.
His promotion from security secretary to the No. 2 official in Hong Kong was approved by Beijing, which is overseeing a sweeping curtailment of freedoms since its national security law came in last year.
A further tightening of the legislation is planned.
After his appointment, Mr. Lee said Beijing's reforms had turned chaos into government.
Some critics said this appointment and the promotion of the territory's police chief to Mr. Lee's old role is turning Hong Kong into a police state.
Please send comments to tbsefmnews@gmail.com / copyright © tbs. Unauthorized redistribution prohibited.
