Beijing announces – in its uniquely convoluted and ritualistic way – that John Lee will be Hong Kong’s next Chief Executive. He is promptly ‘showered with praise’. It seems that, rather than fabricate a quasi-competitive process, the Chinese government will present Lee as the sole ‘candidate’…
Lau Siu-kai, the vice-president of Beijing’s top think tank on Hong Kong, said … Beijing wants to make sure there is no damage to the unity among the patriotic camp that would allow foreign forces to take advantage of the situation at the current time.
Lau also said he believes if Lee becomes the next Hong Kong leader, he will take an even tougher approach against anti-China disruptors.
‘Even tougher’ than what? The last couple of days have included denial of bail in a freedom-of-expression case, arrests for ‘sedition’ (clapping in court), and hefty rioting sentences from 2019. ChinaFile compiles a full report on NatSec regime action against speech crimes, foreign interference and subversion since mid-2020.
John Burns writes in an HKFP op-ed…
Selecting John Lee for chief executive, dependent for his authority on the party and the police, is a calculated move. Authorities are telling us that political skills do not matter, and that neither does inspiring and mobilising the people of Hong Kong. Yet we need inspiring leaders, able to mobilise. So, who will do that?
It’s possible Beijing will allow someone more warm-and-cuddly as, say, Chief Secretary to act as the human face of a grim and menacing regime. But this assumes the CCP is subtle enough to see a need for such a figure. The word is that Lee’s fellow ex-cop Chris Tang will take the number-two position in the ‘even tougher’ administration. Local officials might pay lip-service to the idea of a Hong Kong attractive to the middle class and international business, but Beijing’s priority is to force the city to submit and obey, and root out anything that won’t.
Bookmark this site for forthcoming ‘campaign’ fun (domain registered by a PR company).
“Tough and Tougher”. Coming soon to a theater near you.
“Beijing wants to make sure there is no damage to the unity among the patriotic camp that would allow foreign forces to take advantage of the situation at the current time.” ~Lau Siu-kai
A) What possible advantage could any foreign force take advantage of?
B) Are the yes men and bootlickers in the Patriotic Camp really that fragile?
C) At this point does ANYone really give a rat’s ass about HK politics/administration anymore as it becomes another mainland city? I think the focus will more towards maintaining, reinforcing and saving Taiwan.
I stopped caring what these chinless motherfuckers were up to on 30 June 2020.
I wonder which lucky patriot will be designated to abstain from the election committee’s “vote”.
“no damage to the unity among the patriotic camp that would allow foreign forces to take advantage of the situation” ……………. so in other words no trust in their own hand picked and patriotic 1,500 EC members. That should send a shiver down some spines.
Isn’t Johno on the US sanction list? Guess no international travel for him, just sunny Shenzhen and Russia.
“Isn’t Johno on the US sanction list? Guess no international travel for him, just sunny Shenzhen and Russia.”
Yup. What a great pick for an international financial centre. But if we’re going to be a money laundering hub for places like Russia, then he’s perfect.
Hong Kong ruled by patriots. This one’s so patriotic that not only are his wife and children British citizens, but he used to be a British citizen. He runs the risk of colluding with foreign forces at family dinners.
Oh well, at least Regina Ip will be really upset at the moment.
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/sanctions-list-search-tool
Why does John Lee always look like his dog has just died?
@so
Very interesting, but I think I found an error in the database. If you type in “Putin” it gives his old address “Kremlin” rather than his present address “up shit creek”.
Having a moment of pause for Broom Head once again a bridesmaid at the CCP wedding banquet. How come she doesn’t get to be ‘Iron Man’?
@Joe Blow: Probably because every time he buys a dog, it either runs away or commits suicide.
I sincerely hope passport haven nations (Canada, UK, US, Singapore, France, etc etc) start REVOKING citizenships of tyrant/dictator/mass murderer enablers AND their entire family line.
Joe Blow.
Actually he looks more like the dog which has just died.