Hong Kong’s top government reshuffle security system officials in charge

The Hong Kong government announced on Friday (June 25) that the Chinese government has approved the appointment of Secretary for Security Lee Ka-chiu, 63, to replace Matthew Cheung Kin-chung as Hong Kong’s Chief Secretary for Administration, while announcing the appointment of Commissioner of Police Tang Ping-keung, 55, as Secretary for Security and Deputy Commissioner of Police Siu Chak-yee, 55, as Commissioner of Police.

Li Ka-chiu was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police in 2010 and Deputy Secretary for Security in 2012. He took up the post of Secretary for Security in 2017 after Carrie Lam became the Chief Executive.

Speaking at a press conference, Li said, “The SAR has changed from chaos to governance after the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. With the implementation of patriots ruling Hong Kong and the improvement of the electoral system, the period of chaos and destruction has ended and a new chapter of construction and effective governance has begun. The government will strive to do a good job of effective governance and implement and execute measures that are beneficial to the economy and people’s livelihood with a strong will.”

Li Ka-chiu is the first time a former police officer from the government’s security service has held the top post in the government after the Chief Executive since 1997, when Hong Kong’s sovereignty was transferred from British to Chinese rule. Other former chief executives had extensive expertise in economic and social policymaking.

“The three incoming officials stand shoulder to shoulder with me at a time of unprecedented difficulty for Hong Kong,” said Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam at a press conference. “I am confident that they will continue to excel in their respective positions in the spirit of rising to the occasion.”

Li and Deng Bingqiang were among 11 Hong Kong and Chinese officials sanctioned by the U.S. government last August for undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy and democratic process following the enactment of the Hong Kong version of the National Security Law.