The race to be the next leader of Hong Kong is heating up in a pivotal contest that will highlight Beijing’s attitude to the semi-autonomous Chinese territory as it struggles with a sluggish economy, deep political discord and a growing separatist movement.
John Tsang, who recently resigned as Hong Kong’s financial secretary, on Thursday became the fourth person to declare candidacy for the chief executive position, which will be selected in March by a 1,194-member committee dominated by pro-Beijing politicians and businesspeople.
The other candidates are Carrie Lam, who was formerly Hong Kong’s number two official, Regina Ip, another former senior official, and Woo Kwok-hing, a former judge.