The State Council of China has appointed Zhou Ji as the new Director of the Liaison Office in Hong Kong, dismissing Zheng Yanxiong from his position.
On the evening of the 30th, China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced the appointment of Zhou Ji as the Director of the Central Liaison Office in Hong Kong and National Security Advisor of the Hong Kong SAR National Security Committee, while relieving Zheng Yanxiong of his duties as Director of the Liaison Office, Deputy Director of the State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, and National Security Advisor of the Hong Kong SAR National Security Committee.
The 61-year-old Zhou Ji has previously served as the Deputy Secretary and Secretary of the Politics and Law Committee of the Henan Provincial Party Committee. Since July 2023, he has been the Executive Deputy Director in charge of day-to-day operations at the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Central Government and the State Council.
Also 61 years old, Zheng Yanxiong has previously served as a member of the Standing Committee and Secretary-General of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee. In July 2020, he was appointed as the Director of the Central Government's Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong and, from 2023, served as the Director of the Liaison Office among other positions. During his tenure of over two years, the last time he attended a public event in Hong Kong was on May 22.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said he and the Hong Kong government warmly welcome Zhou Ji's new appointment and are very grateful for the contributions Zheng Yanxiong has made during his tenure as Director of the Liaison Office, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, and National Security Advisor of the Hong Kong SAR National Security Committee.
Actively Promoted the Implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law During His Tenure
Radio Free Asia reports that Zheng Yanxiong has always been regarded as a representative of Beijing's hardline policy towards Hong Kong. He was sent to Hong Kong during the 2019 Hong Kong 'anti-extradition bill' protests to be responsible for stability maintenance work plans. Subsequently, in 2020, he was appointed as the first Director of the Central Government's Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong and promoted to Director of the Liaison Office in 2023. During his tenure, he actively promoted the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and strengthened control over the media, education sector, and civil society. His image was tough, drawing significant attention and criticism from the international community.
During his public appearances in Hong Kong, Zheng Yanxiong spoke in Cantonese: 'The world is chaotic, China is doing well; the rise of the east is evident, and fortunes change; no need for concern, Hong Kong is the safest.'