Top Chinese public security official Zhao Kezhi backs new Hong Kong police chief Chris Tang and heaps praise on force for efforts during ongoing protests
- Public security minister Zhao says central government is giving the ‘strongest backing’ to the force as social unrest reaches sixth month
- Before heading to Beijing, Tang appeals to Hong Kong protesters joining a mass rally approved for Sunday to reject violence
China’s minister for public security has thrown his support behind Hong Kong’s new police chief, saying he hoped Chris Tang Ping-keung would lead the force with determination and maintain its morale with the goal of “curbing violence” in the city as soon as possible.
Zhao Kezhi, who met Tang in Beijing on Friday, said the central government was giving the “strongest backing” to the force as the ongoing social unrest reaches its sixth month.
He heaped praise on the force, saying it has been loyal and responsible during the exceptional challenge, and had safeguarded national security and the principle of “one country, two systems”, the framework under which Beijing governs Hong Kong.
Zhao’s comments came as Tang appealed to protesters joining a mass rally approved for Sunday to reject violence as he called on organisers to be proactive in condemning disorder if it breaks out.
