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Hong Kong leader John Lee vows to win public trust with concrete actions and results as he marks first year in office, warns against ‘soft resistance’

  • John Lee addresses political and business leaders at ceremony marking July 1 handover anniversary
  • Chief executive also declares city on ‘fast track’ to returning to normality after coming out of the pandemic shadows

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Chief Executive John Lee and top political figures at the flag-raising ceremony in Wan Chai. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Hong Kong’s leader vowed on Saturday to gain the public’s trust with concrete actions and achievements as he marked his first year in office, but warned the city must still guard against a “soft resistance” threatening national security.

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In a speech marking the 26th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese rule, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also declared that Hong Kong was now “driving down the fast lane of recovery at full speed” after the pandemic.

“The government will continue to stay committed to engaging in pragmatic efforts and delivering results. We will strive to gain trust through action, narrow gaps with results, and build mutual trust through achievements, in a bid to unite all sectors of the community,” Lee vowed at a reception in the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

John Lee (centre) vows to win the public’s trust with results, citing achievements by his team. Photo: Yik Yeung-man
John Lee (centre) vows to win the public’s trust with results, citing achievements by his team. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Lee said his administration had led Hong Kong out of the shadows over the past year by reconnecting it with the world and mainland China.

He noted that the economy had finally reversed four quarters of contraction by recently recording positive growth in the first quarter this year, while arrivals had exceeded 10 million in just five months.

“I have full confidence in Hong Kong, yet we must stay alert,” he warned.

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Hong Kong was largely stable but “intentionally targeted and oppressed by some countries which have misjudged the peaceful development” of China, he said.

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