News analysis

China set to step up integration of ‘new’ Hong Kong

People hold a Chinese flag to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the city's handover in Hong Kong on July 1, 2022. PHOTO: AFP
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

CHONGQING - In his first speech as Chief Executive of Hong Kong, former policeman John Lee pledged with a "humble heart" to start a new chapter for the financial hub, drawing a line under the past 25 years.

If the symbolism-filled ceremony attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping was any indication, Beijing is likely to make its presence felt more regularly in the territory's governance, making more effort to integrate the territory with the mainland economically and culturally, and creating greater opportunities for the city's residents.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.