John Lee from Hong Kong: Former security chief becomes the new leader

John Lee was elected as Hong Kong's new leader after a closed ballot in which he was the only candidate. His appointment is seen as a move by the Chinese government to tighten control over the city. Mr. Lee replaces its CEO, Carrie Lam, who has been in office since 2017.

Hong Kong's leaders are chosen by a secret committee of about 1,500 members, nearly all of whom are loyal to Beijing - although this time, there is only one candidate.

Mr. Lee, the former secretary-general and the city's second-highest official, has always been seen as the preferred replacement for Lam, who previously announced she would not be running for a second term.

But while Lee has Beijing's backing, he has been highly unpopular for his role in overseeing a crackdown on protesters during demonstrations against a controversial extradition law in 2019.

Lee has continued to support the bill despite the unrest and has been fiercely criticized for sanctioning police using water cannons, rubber bullets, tear gas, and sometimes ammunition to disperse protesters. The League of Social Democrats - one of the few remaining pro-democracy groups - staged a protest by three people before elections opened, chanting "people power, universal suffrage now."

"We know this action will have no effect, but we don't want Hong Kong to remain completely silent," he added.

China's new law: why is Hong Kong worried?

Hong Kong was handed back to China by Britain in 1997 under an agreement that rights LIKE as freedom of assembly and freedom of speech would be guaranteed in the territory.