HK signals shift in focus from security to advancing economy

John Lee homes in on housing, regional ties in handover anniversary speech

- Magdalene Fung

Hong Kong will now focus on improving its economy after having enhanced its stability, Chief Executive John Lee said on July 1 as he marked the 27th anniversary of the city's return to China and the start of his third year in office.

"Over the past two years, the government has worked to further improve governance, continued to create strong impetus for growth, earnestly addressed the concerns of the people of Hong Kong, and united efforts in safeguarding harmony and stability," Mr Lee said.

"Going forward, the government will make every endeavour to pursue economic growth, advance development and improve the livelihood of the people of Hong Kong."

Mr Lee's remarks signal a shift in his administration's top priority from ensuring national security to advancing the city's economic development.

His speech, delivered at a morning reception following the annual flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the handover at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, contrasted with his previous July 1 speeches, in which he stressed the importance of safeguarding national security.

The leader made four mentions of the term in his speech when he took office in 2022, and devoted a segment of his speech to the topic in 2023. There was no direct mention of national security in his speech in 2024.

He did, however, list safeguarding national security as being among his major achievements in an article published on the government's website on the same day.