China's removal of its top official in HK a 'normal' move: John Lee

Hong Kong's leader John Lee said on June 3 that China's recent removal of its top representative in the city, known for his hardline policies on national security, had been a "normal" personnel change.

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HONG KONG -

In a surprise development, China announced late on May 30 that Mr Zheng Yanxiong, director of China's Liaison Office in Hong Kong — Beijing's main representative office in the city with powerful oversight over local affairs — had been "removed" from his post.

He was replaced by Mr Zhou Ji, a senior official with the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council.

Mr Zheng, who played a key role in the crackdown on Hong Kong's democratic movement in recent years, was also stripped of his role as China's national security adviser on a committee overseeing national security in Hong Kong.

No explanation by Beijing or Chinese state media was given for the change.