Hong Kong leader John Lee offers his condolences over death of Li Keqiang, recalls former premier’s comments on addressing city’s livelihood issues
- City leader John Lee says administration will closely follow any announcements made by Beijing regarding commemorative events for Li
- Li’s words ‘always remain on my mind and I have been implementing policies, such as those I announced in my policy address, in accordance with his direction’, he says
Hong Kong’s leader has offered his condolences over the death of former Chinese premier Li Keqiang, saying the late official’s comments about developing the city’s economy to address livelihood issues have always remained on his mind.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Saturday also said his administration would closely follow any announcements made by Beijing regarding commemorations for Li, and then decide on the city’s next steps.
“I express deep sorrow over the passing of former premier Li Keqiang, and extend my deep condolences to his family,” he said.
State broadcaster CCTV on Friday announced the sudden passing of Li, who died in Shanghai in the early hours after a heart attack at the age of 68.
Hong Kong’s leader recalled his earlier encounters with Li in Beijing, including when he received his formal letter of appointment as the city’s chief executive from the then premier in May last year. He also reported to Li during his first duty visit as city leader in December.
“Whenever he spoke to me about Hong Kong, I felt very clearly the deep love that he had for Hong Kong,” Lee said, after appearing on two separate radio shows to talk about his latest policy address.
