(Hong Kong) Hong Kong will hold its next chief executive election in 2027. Beijing officials have recently made further visits to the city to seek views on the composition of the next special administrative region government, Hong Kong media reported.
According to a report by Sing Tao Headline on Friday (13 November), Beijing officials gathering feedback have in the past met Hong Kong political and business figures from time to time to hear their views on the city’s affairs. Officials on recent visits have had a more focused agenda. Besides looking into economic issues, they have held separate meetings with people from different sectors, possibly in preparation for next year’s government transition.
Topics raised at the meetings included the business environment, the economic outlook and the development priorities of the next government. Participants were encouraged to “speak freely”.
One participant said that, with geopolitical risks persisting and regional competition intensifying, Hong Kong government officials must have an international outlook and a cross-regional strategic perspective to drive economic development. The line-up of officials overseeing fiscal and financial affairs in the next administration was therefore drawing particular attention.
The report said some invitees were asked whether they were interested in entering the “hot kitchen” of politics or could recommend suitable candidates. They were also asked for their views on the performance of incumbent officials and the next government’s policy priorities.
A member of Hong Kong’s pro-establishment camp said many people were eager to become senior government officials, putting themselves forward or being recommended through various channels. But Hong Kong officials in the new era needed more than political loyalty: they also needed outstanding governance skills, the courage to break through vested interests and a broad, long-term vision to map out development plans.
The pro-establishment figure said being asked during a meeting about one’s willingness to enter politics probably indicated a degree of approval. “But this is only a preliminary enquiry about their willingness. They still have to go through many rounds of assessment.”
The next chief executive election and government transition will be key items on Hong Kong’s political agenda over the next six months. With next year marking the 30th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty, Chinese state leaders are expected to visit the city for the anniversary celebrations and the inauguration of the next government. The report described these tasks as top priorities requiring advance planning and groundwork.
