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.
Li Keqiang: in China and overseas, tributes flow for warm, capable former premier
The chief executive said Li had asked him to “fully and faithfully” implement the governing principle of “one country, two systems” and the constitutional order that was laid down for Hong Kong.
“He kept reminding me to develop the economy so as to address people’s concerns about livelihood, and asked me to implement measures to ensure the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong,” he said.
“His words always remain on my mind and I have been implementing policies, such as those I have announced in my policy address, in accordance with his direction.”
Hong Kong politicians remember ‘amiable’ ex-Chinese premier Li Keqiang after death
Asked if Hong Kong would hold any commemorative events for the late official, Lee said he would closely monitor any announcements made by Beijing.
Beijing released an official obituary for Li on Friday evening. The article, published by Xinhua and signed by the ruling Communist Party leadership, praised Li’s contributions to the party and state.
Hong Kong politicians also remembered Li as someone who strongly backed the city to strengthen its economic integration with mainland China and its status as an international financial hub.
Several pro-establishment groups, including the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong and the Liberal Party, issued separate statements mourning Li following Lee’s comments. They said the late leader had cared about the city’s development during his term.
Li last visited Hong Kong in an official capacity in 2011 when he was vice-premier. During his trip, he spoke at the University of Hong Kong and also announced more than 30 measures to support the local economy, boost investor sentiment and strengthen the city’s role in the internationalisation of the yuan.
