Beijing is reported to be collecting assessments of Hong Kong Chief Executive 
John Lee Ka-chiu, a process bearing on whether he will be reappointed to a second term. His first five-year term has one year left to run, with the chief executive election due next March and the winner taking office in July, Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) reported from Hong Kong. Lee has not said publicly whether he will seek another term, and Beijing has also kept silent, leaving outsiders with no way of knowing its intentions.
What did the report say? Beijing will not let its thinking become known too early, but it began sounding out views on the work performance of Lee and his team some time ago, gathering assessments from various quarters, the Hong Kong Economic Times reported on Sept. 21 in a story relayed by CNA. Some of the people who had been consulted believe Beijing already has a clear view on who the next chief executive should be.
Why is a second term being watched? Since the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997, none of its chief executives has served out two terms, or 10 years, which is why the question of whether Lee can win reappointment is drawing close attention, CNA reported. Figures in political and business circles, the newspaper reported, expect the matter to become clear only around the end of the year.
What stands in his way? The wait reflects a major hurdle Lee currently faces, the aftermath of the Wang Fuk Court fire and accountability for it; whether he can break the "10-year curse" depends first on how he handles reform and accountability after the blaze, the newspaper reported. The fire broke out on Nov. 26, 2025, at Wang Fuk Court, which was undergoing major renovation at the time; seven of its eight buildings were destroyed by fire and 168 people died. After the disaster, Lee set up an independent committee to investigate its causes and related matters.
Figures referenced: John Lee Ka-chiu. — JudgeMarket.
