John Lee heralds closer ties with central authorities
Chief Executive John Lee says his trip to Beijing last week has opened a new chapter in effective communication between the SAR government and the central authorities.  In a Wen Wei Po article published on Monday, Lee noted that he and eight of his ministers visited 11 mainland ministries and departments and exchanged views on various issues with their counterparts. “In future, the ministers and officials of the SAR government will actively maintain close contact with national ministries and departments, and work together with them on the way ahead to solve problems,” he said.  Lee also said there are many risks and challenges as the economy recovers after the pandemic and Hong Kong must continue to be a bridge between the mainland and the rest of the world, “telling a good Hong Kong story and spreading the good Chinese voice".  Meanwhile, the CE voiced his support for a planned revamp of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office so it will in future answer directly to the Communist Party of China Central Committee rather than the State Council, saying this will strengthen the central authorities' leadership role.