Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu says he is still waiting for an invitation from the United States for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November.
Lee – who spoke on several issues before an Executive Council meeting yesterday – said the United States, as the organizer, should send invitations to leaders according to Apec guidelines and protocol.
“I am still waiting for the invitation letter … We will attend in accordance with standard protocol,” Lee said.
He strongly hinted that Hong Kong would send a representative to the summit in San Francisco, but did not name one.
Lee and 10 other Hong Kong officials have been sanctioned by Washington for their roles in the introduction of the national security law in 2020.
With Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki also sanctioned, the top official who might attend the event would be Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po.
According to the Apec website, financial secretaries used to represent Hong Kong in summits before 1997.
In 2012, then chief executive Leung Chun-ying canceled his plan to attend the meeting, with financial secretary John Tsang Chun-wah attending on his behalf.
In Beijing, foreign minister Wang Yi did not confirm whether President Xi Jinping will attend the summit, but said they are in communication with parties on arrangements.
Separately, Lee said he was saddened by the death of two middle-aged brothers with intellectual disabilities who reportedly starved to death after their mother was taken into hospital in Sau Mau Ping on Friday.
He said he hopes the new district administration system can enhance support to caregivers.
Lee said proper social welfare involves the government, social welfare organizations, and groups in the districts, and hopes the three stakeholders will always cooperate and give help to people in need, especially those who do not know how to seek help.
He believed that care teams or volunteers in the districts know the needs of individuals, and they could provide proper assistance or refer their needs to the government or social welfare organizations.
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said 127 calls were received through the 24-hour hotline 182183 in 14 hours, which was set up to support caregivers for the elderly and disabled and which commenced operation from midnight yesterday.
“Many of them called for inquiries, some required emotional-support. While a handful of callers wished to seek respite services, which would be arranged.”
Meanwhile, the revamped District Council election will be held on December 10 but details including polling stations and voting time are still unknown.
Lee said the detailed arrangements for the election will be announced by the Electoral Affairs Commission soon.
The government will also launch a series of promotions to inform the public about when and where they can cast their vote.
He said the restructuring of the district council is important to Hong Kong’s long-term district governance and authorities will make sure elections are safe, not corrupt, and well-ordered. Lee also called on residents to vote.
stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com
Editorial: Xi a wild card on Lee’s APEC invite
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