Hong Kong (AP) —Hong Kong’s Supreme Security Official on Friday as China looks to the government of Asian financial hubs to crack down on freedom of speech and political opponents to restore stability after anti-government protests Was promoted to the second place in the territory.

Chung Moon said security secretary John Lee would replace Matthew Chan as chief secretary of the city, and police chief Chris Tan would take over Lee’s role. Raymond Shiu Chakui, Deputy Secretary of the Tang Dynasty, will be the new Chief of Police.

The Hong Kong government has long been praised for its expertise and efficiency, but in recent years its image has been hit by the ban and restraint of anti-democratic movements and the hard-line enforcement of Beijing’s security policy. I will. The United States and other western democracies have imposed visa bans and other sanctions on Ram, Lee and other members of the administration.

The fierce clash between police and democratic demonstrators in 2019 has led the central government to adopt a firm policy against political concessions.

“They have been outstanding in government for years and have proven leadership skills,” Ram said of the promoted people. “I am confident that they will be competent in the new post and will face the challenges of serving the community.”

Mr. Chung, who is in second place, will retire from the government position.

The leadership change took place a year after Beijing imposed a drastic national security law on the former British colony, the day after the final edition was published by Apple Daily, the last remaining democratic newspaper in Hong Kong. I will.

Police frozen $ 2.3 million in newspaper assets last week, searched the office, arrested five top editors and executives, and accused them of foreign collusion to jeopardize national security. Its founder, Jimmy Lai, has been charged under the National Security Act of Foreign Collusion and is currently sentenced to imprisonment for being involved in the 2019 anti-democratization movement.

US President Joe Biden said Thursday that it was “a sad day for media freedom in Hong Kong and around the world,” insisting that Beijing “use its power to suppress independent media and silence dissenting opinions.” I did. ”

“Hong Kong people have the right to freedom of the press. Instead, Beijing denies basic freedom and, in contradiction to international obligations, attacks Hong Kong’s autonomy and democratic institutions and processes. “There is,” Byden said in a statement on the White House website.

Apple Daily continues to be published online in Taiwan, a democracy on an autonomous island that China claims to be its territory.

Beijing promised that Hong Kong would be able to maintain civil liberties for 50 years after the former British colony was handed over to Chinese rule in 1997, but imposed full political control and excessive semi-national control. It essentially abandoned its promise to end what is considered foreign influence. Autonomous city institution.

China has effectively ended Hong Kong’s multi-party democracy by imposing the National Security Act on Beijing’s ceremonial Chinese parliament without debate or voting in the city’s legislative council. It then moved to squeeze Beijing’s supporters into the legislative council, radically reducing the proportion of parliamentarians directly elected by voters.

Opposition lawmakers previously resigned as a group after four colleagues were banned for national security reasons.

In recent months, police have arrested most of the city’s democratic activists. Most are still detained by police, but others have been threatened by the Ram administration for violating past statements and actions deemed dishonest to China, or current Hong Kong law. , Seeking asylum abroad.

Lam told reporters that despite his overwhelming focus on security, the role of the chief secretary in helping to oversee the city’s day-to-day operations, including dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, has not changed. It was.

Still, she appears to recognize Beijing’s increasingly active role in managing city issues and central government demands for absolute loyalty from Hong Kong officials and members of the Legislative Council. It was.

“Currently, as Chief Executive Officer, I am responsible not only for Hong Kong but also for the central government, and I am fulfilling my national obligations, especially in the protection of national security,” Lam told reporters. “So for those with a commitment, integrity, leadership, and spirit to serve the country and Hong Kong … we will do our best.”

China dismissed foreign sanctions and criticisms for interfering with domestic affairs, and Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on “controlling a small group of Hong Kong’s anti-Chinese elements that are seriously endangering the nation” on Friday. He defended the National Security Law as a guess. We protect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by the majority of Hong Kong residents in accordance with laws, including security and press freedom. ”

“Since the enforcement of the Hong Kong National Security Law, Hong Kong society has returned to stability, the rule of law and justice have been upheld, and the legal rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents and foreigners have been more safely protected. Environment.” Zhao said in a daily briefing.

“It is confusing to the public to blame China for suppressing press freedom simply because the organization involved in the case is the press and the punished individuals work in the field of journalism. It’s an attempt, “said Zhao.

“The United States should respect the facts, stop using any form of excuse to prevent law enforcement in (Hong Kong), protect suspects, and stop interfering with Hong Kong issues and China’s internal affairs. “He said.