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John Lee elected as sixth-term Chief Govt of Hong Kong

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John Lee Ka-chiu has been elected because the sixth-term Chief Govt of the Hong Kong Particular Administrative Area (HKSAR) by securing 99.16 % supportive votes from the Election Committee members who solid their votes on Sunday.

The extremely anticipated Chief Govt Election for Hong Kong, the primary CE election because the implementation of electoral reform which goals to make sure solely patriots governing Hong Kong, kicked off on Sunday as most of 1,461 Election Committee (EC) members solid their ballots on the Hong Kong Conference and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

The general voting course of began from 9 am and concluded at 11:30 am, going easily and being organized within the eyes of some EC members. The central authorities is anticipated to formally appoint him as Hong Kong’s subsequent chief govt quickly.

In whole, 1,428 Election Committee members solid their votes “help” or “not help” for Chief Govt Election in Hong Kong, with the general turnout fee of 97.74 %. 33 members didn’t vote. Lee secured 1,416 supportive votes among the many 1,428 EC members who solid their votes, or 99.16 % of the votes solid.

“Serving Hong Kong and serving our individuals for the subsequent 5 years, that is an honor with humility and honest gratitude, with loyalty and perseverance,” Lee advised after being elected.

This 12 months marks the twenty fifth anniversary of the institution of the Hong Kong SAR. We should proceed to make sure the great, correct and full implementation of the ideas of the “one nation, two techniques,” “Hong Kong individuals administering Hong Kong” and “excessive diploma of autonomy to take care of our long run prosperity and stability.”

Having restored order from chaos, it’s excessive time that Hong Kong begins a brand new chapter of growth, a chapter that we get towards better prosperity for all, he stated.

Lee gained a excessive fee of 99.16 % of the votes, which displays recognition and affirmation of the Hong Kong society, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Workplace of the State Council stated in a congratulatory message to Lee printed shortly after the consequence got here out. It’s believed the brand new CE will lead the brand new authorities and representatives from numerous sectors of Hong Kong to unveil a brand new chapter for good governance within the metropolis, the workplace stated.

It additionally stated the election is a profitable observe of Hong Kong’s new election system, which has confirmed to suit “one nation, two techniques” and Hong Kong’s actuality.

The six-term CE election has nice significance for Hong Kong, particularly after the implementation of the nationwide safety legislation for Hong Kong and the electoral reform, town returned to the proper monitor, resisting the overseas interference and stabilizing the society with energetic measures for financial system and livelihoods.  The election stimulates the constructive vitality, underscores the democracy with broad illustration and unity because the candidate and residents are specializing in measures for constructing town collectively relatively than making confrontations or divisions, the highest workplace on Hong Kong affairs stated.

The subsequent 5 years would be the interval for Hong Kong to emerge from the social turmoil to being nicely ruled to develop, and we consider that if the brand new authorities and representatives from numerous sectors seize the historic alternatives, it will be a brand new place to begin for Hong Kong to make a splendid historical past, stated the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao workplace.

The liaison workplace of the central authorities additionally congratulates Lee’s election, because the election totally underscored the precept of solely patriots governing Hong Kong and some great benefits of the brand new election system, which is one other profitable observe of the democracy with Hong Kong traits.

“We’re totally assured in Hong Kong’s democratic path,” the liaison workplace stated, hoping that Lee will lead the native authorities and representatives from numerous sectors to totally and accurately implement the “one nation, two techniques” to unveil a brand new chapter for Hong Kong’s future.

Carrie Lam, the incumbent CE, additionally prolonged her honest congratulations to Lee on his profitable election. She stated she is going to submit a report of the election consequence to the central authorities later and can guarantee a seamless transition with the CE-elect.

The election on Sunday is taken into account crucial one for the political life in Hong Kong. For the reason that implementation of the electoral reform, which essentially modified the foundations of the political recreation in sweeping out the anti-China figures and a few backed by Western forces, observers consider that the Hong Kong individuals can efficiently select a great one who will resolutely perform the reforms to reshape the native governance so as to repair some deep-rooted issues in Hong Kong society.

Some political heavyweights advised the media whereas they got here to the polling station to solid their votes that they shared the excessive expectation for Lee and hoped that the subsequent CE might sort out some pressing points together with combating the epidemic in Hong Kong, reopening borders with the mainland, and fixing the housing woes.

Starry Lee Wai-king, a EC member and chairwoman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), hoped that Lee may very well be elected with a excessive variety of votes, anticipating him to roll out extra particular measures in comparison with his coverage platform after he’s elected. When requested whether or not the DAB members will be a part of the brand new authorities, she stated it’s too early to say however the DAB is glad to suggest abilities for the brand new authorities.

Govt Councilor Ronny Tong Ka-wah who can also be a EC member advised the World Instances on Sunday after he solid the poll that Hong Kong individuals count on to elect a CE who can obtain the objectives. “Hopefully, the brand new authorities can overhaul the political system, enhance the dwelling setting, work on the issues of the youth and assist get better the native financial system,” he stated.

He additionally believed that fixing the division within the society is a collective will of Hong Kong individuals, and particularly after the social turmoil in 2019, native residents confirmed constructive angle towards fixing the division within the society: “It’s not vital which place Lee used to serve in Hong Kong, it’s vital how he’ll sort out crucial facets for Hong Kong’s future,” Tong stated.

Lee, 64, was appointed as chief secretary for administration of the HKSAR in June 2021, which is the No.2 place after the chief govt. In July 2021, Lee was appointed as chairman of the Candidate Eligibility Evaluate Committee for native elections.

Lee began his profession as a policeman. He joined the Hong Kong Police Power in 1977 and held a wide range of posts earlier than he was appointed as undersecretary for safety in September 2012. He then served as secretary for safety from 2017 to 2021.

Lee’s appointment as chief secretary for administration got here after the police drive demonstrated professionalism and competence within the battle in opposition to a sequence of violent riots in Hong Kong in 2019, in accordance with observers.

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Canada has Indian diplomats’ communications in Sikh chief’s homicide probe: report

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The Canadian authorities has amassed each human and indicators intelligence in a months-long investigation of a Sikh activist’s homicide, which it has alleged was achieved by India, CBC Information reported on Friday.

The unprecedented tensions flared up on Monday after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned Ottawa was “actively pursuing credible allegations” linking Indian authorities brokers to the homicide of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, exterior a Sikh temple in British Columbia in June.

The 2 nations, whose relations have been fraying lately over the difficulty of Sikh separatists, have since introduced tit-for-tat explulsions of senior diplomats and issued tit-for-tat journey advisories.

Indian PM Narendra Modi’s authorities denied any hyperlinks to the alleged homicide. Whereas calling on India to cooperate with the investigation into the homicide, Canada mentioned on Thursday it will not launch its proof.

Conventional Canadian allies have to date taken a comparatively cautious method to the matter. Analysts say that is partly as a result of the US and different main gamers see India as a counterweight to the rising affect of China.

In the present day, quoting Canadian authorities sources, CBC Information mentioned the “intelligence contains communications involving Indian officers themselves, together with Indian diplomats current in Canada”.

It added that the intelligence “didn’t come solely from Canada” and a few was additionally supplied by “an unnamed ally within the 5 Eyes” alliance — an intelligence-sharing community that features the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

 

 

The Canadian publication went on so as to add that the slain Sikh chief “reportedly had been warned by the Canadian Safety Intelligence Service that he was in danger”.

The report additional mentioned that “in a diplomatic disaster that unfolded progressively behind the scenes, Canadian officers went to India on a number of events searching for cooperation” within the investigation of Nijjar’s loss of life.

CBC Information mentioned that Canada’s Nationwide Safety and Intelligence Adviser Jody Thomas was in India over 4 days in mid-August. One other five-day go to this month overlapped with a “tense assembly” between the 2 nations’ premiers, it added.

The report quoted Canadian sources as saying: “When pressed behind closed doorways, no Indian official has denied the bombshell allegation on the core of this case — that there’s proof to counsel Indian authorities involvement within the assassination of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil.”

“I can guarantee you that the choice to share these allegations on the ground of the Home of Commons … was not achieved flippantly,” CBC quoted Trudeau as stating yesterday after attending the 78th UN Common Meeting in New York. “It was achieved with the utmost seriousness.”

In the meantime, the US is in contact with Indians at excessive ranges and Washington is giving India no “particular exemption” within the matter, its nationwide safety adviser Jake Sullivan mentioned on Thursday.

America has been searching for to strengthen its relationship with India. President Joe Biden hosted Modi for a state go to on the White Home earlier this yr.

Requested whether or not US concern over the incident may disrupt that course of, Sullivan mentioned the US would rise up for its ideas, no matter what nation is affected.

 

 

“It’s a matter of concern for us. It’s one thing we take severely. It’s one thing we’ll hold engaged on, and we’ll do this whatever the nation,” Sullivan advised reporters on the White Home.

“There’s not some particular exemption you get for actions like this. Whatever the nation, we’ll rise up and defend our primary ideas and we may even seek the advice of intently with allies like Canada as they pursue their legislation enforcement and diplomatic course of.”

Sullivan famous that the US was in contact with each nations concerning the subject. “We’re in fixed contact with our Canadian counterparts … and now we have additionally been in contact with the Indian authorities,” Sullivan mentioned.

Earlier, John Kirby, spokesman for the White Home Nationwide Safety Council (NSC) had mentioned it supported Canada’s efforts to analyze the killing and inspired India to cooperate within the probe.

Individually, one other NSC spokesperson, Adrienne Watson, had denied stories that the US had “rebuffed” Canada over the matter.

Australia had expressed “deep concern” over Canada’s accusations whereas Britain mentioned it was in shut contact with its Canadian companions concerning the “critical allegations”.

Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar had a day in the past termed the rising wave of Hindutva or Hindu nationalism a “matter of deep concern” for the worldwide group.

The Overseas Workplace had additionally mentioned the accusation confirmed that New Delhi’s “community of extra-territorial killings” had gone world whereas Overseas Secretary Syrus Qazi mentioned Pakistan was not shocked by the Canadian accusation.

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Zelensky wins Biden help however faces US skeptics

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WASHINGTON: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington Thursday to attraction for assist combating Russia, successful heat phrases of help and weapons from Joe Biden however confronting skeptical Republicans who need to minimize off support.

“We’re with you and we’re staying with you,” Biden informed the Ukrainian chief after their high groups met at White Home to thrash out Zelensky’s calls for for extra arms to push again the Russian invasion.

Sporting his trademark olive inexperienced military-style shirt, Zelensky stated Ukraine “has precisely what our troopers want” after Biden introduced a brand new bundle of US navy support, together with refined air protection weapons.

However behind the visuals — agency handshakes throughout a grand cupboard desk and exhibits of solidarity within the Oval Workplace — lay the truth that Zelensky’s second wartime journey to Washington was far more durable than the primary.

The place Zelensky obtained a hero’s welcome when he visited in December, this time he spent his closed-door conferences within the US Congress desperately attempting to beat rising struggle fatigue from Republicans.

Hardline Republicans are threatening to dam Democrat Biden’s request for a recent $24 billion support bundle for Ukraine, and it has now turn out to be caught up in a bitter spending battle that might spark a US authorities shutdown.

– ‘No different’ –
Biden stated alongside Zelensky that there was “no different” to backing the Ukraine funding, including that he was “relying on the nice judgment of the US Congress.”

Talking later on the Nationwide Archives, Zelensky stated, “I assured President Biden that we in Ukraine is not going to surrender and he assured me that America shall be with us, so long as it takes.”

The US president stated the primary US M1 Abrams tanks will arrive in Ukraine “subsequent week,” boosting Kyiv’s forces as they battle Russian troops in a slow-moving counteroffensive.

The most recent US bundle would additionally strengthen Ukraine’s air protection functionality, essential at a time when the nation faces repeated Russian missile and drone assaults.

Zelensky arrived Thursday evening in Ottawa, Canada for an unannounced go to. He was to fulfill Friday with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and members of Canada’s massive Ukrainian neighborhood, and provides a speech to parliament.

In Washington the Ukrainian chief arrived proper after one other wave of Russian missile strikes, hitting cities throughout the nation and killing a minimum of three individuals in Kherson and wounding many in different areas.

Zelensky thanked Biden for the “important help offered by the US to fight Russian terror, actually terror.”

As a part of his bid to win over Washington, Zelensky went to the Pentagon the place he laid a wreath at a memorial for victims of the September 11, 2001 assaults.

However in a blow to Zelensky, Biden rejected for now a request for longer-range ATACMS missiles that may strike as much as 300 kilometers (190 miles) away, the White Home stated.

 

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Xi to attend opening ceremony of nineteenth Asian Video games, kicking off main diplomatic occasion

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BEIJING: Chinese language President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony of the extremely anticipated nineteenth Asian Video games to be held in Hangzhou from Friday to Saturday and can maintain a welcoming banquet and bilateral occasions for international leaders attending the ceremony, the Chinese language International Ministry introduced on Thursday.

Hangzhou, the host metropolis, is now below the worldwide highlight because it welcomes about 12,000 members from 45 international locations and areas throughout Asia, marking it the biggest Asian Video games ever.

The Video games – China’s first mega-event because the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics – is not going to solely function an event for showcasing the solidarity amongst Asian international locations amid the frequent interference of US-led Western forces in its regional affairs, and demonstrating China’s inclusiveness and openness, however may also give a brand new push to financial restoration, because the sports activities occasion itself is a vital pipeline for exciting financial exercise within the host metropolis, and even the host nation, boosting exchanges and strengthening public confidence in its future prospects, specialists stated.

The launch of the Video games additionally unveiled a significant diplomatic occasion in China this fall. The international leaders attending the opening ceremony in China embrace King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia, President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” of Nepal, Prime Minister Xanana Gusm?o of Timor-Leste, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of South Korea and Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat of Malaysia Johari bin Abdul, Chinese language International Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying stated on Thursday.

As well as, the Sultan of Brunei’s consultant Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, the Emir of Qatar’s consultant Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prince Faisal bin Hussein of Jordan, Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand and Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov of Kyrgyzstan will attend associated occasions, the spokesperson stated.

The Asian Video games, additionally known as the Asiad, is a multi-sport occasion that takes place each 4 years. The nineteenth version of the Video games was initially scheduled to happen in China in 2022, however was postponed as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s not solely a sports activities occasion but additionally a significant diplomatic exercise showcasing the solidarity amongst Asian international locations, and the numerous international leaders and senior officers attending the occasion additionally mirrored a consensus on constructing a neighborhood with a shared future in Asia,” Li Haidong, a professor on the China International Affairs College, informed the International Occasions on Thursday.

Such a large-scale attendance additionally reveals the vast recognition of China’s function in worldwide sports activities occasions and different worldwide affairs, demonstrating these international locations’ willingness to coordinate and cooperate with China in selling the reason for human progress, Li stated.

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