China’s Xi backs Hong Kong leader after deadly fire, Jimmy Lai verdict

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Hong Kong chief executive John Lee said he explicitly reported Jimmy Lais conviction to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

PHOTO: REUTERS

BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed full support for Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, praising his administration’s performance after

a year defined by a deadly fire

During Mr Lee’s annual duty visit to Beijing on Dec 16, Mr Xi said the central government “fully affirms” his work in safeguarding national sovereignty and steering the semi-autonomous financial hub “from order to prosperity”.

“The government has resolutely safeguarded national sovereignty, security and development interests,” Mr Xi said, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

The endorsement follows

the guilty verdict on Dec 15

Speaking to reporters in Beijing after the meeting, Mr Lee said he explicitly reported the conviction to Mr Xi.

The Chinese President offered “strong recognition” of the city’s efforts and extended his support to Mr Lee’s administration and the judiciary in their duty to safeguard national security, according to the Hong Kong leader.

The 78-year-old is the most prominent target of a Beijing-imposed National Security Law to curb dissent following mass protests in 2019.

Western governments have condemned the trial as politically motivated and called for his release. Hong Kong has defended the judiciary’s decision and decried attempts to interfere in its affairs.

Beyond security, Mr