New Hong Kong Police Commissioner Highlights National Security Focus
Chow Yat-ming outlines key priorities following his appointment by China's State Council.
The State Council of China announced the appointment of Chow Yat-ming as the new Commissioner of Police for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Wednesday, filling the position previously held by Siu Chak-yee.
The decision, reported by state media, was made in compliance with the HKSAR Basic Law, based on a nomination from Chief Executive John Lee.
In a press briefing following his appointment, Commissioner Chow detailed his strategic priorities focusing on three main areas: preserving national security, promoting smart policing through technology, and fostering a strong team culture within the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF).
He emphasized the importance of increasing public awareness regarding national security measures, reflecting on the role of these laws in stabilizing the region since the introduction of the National Security Law five years ago and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance enacted last year.
Chow acknowledged that despite the stabilization efforts, risks still remain, stating, "undercurrents still exist everywhere." He pointed out concerns regarding various forms of "soft resistance" that could undermine the law, suggesting increasing efforts in public outreach and education to mitigate these risks.
Additionally, the day before his appointment, reports indicated that the United States imposed new sanctions against six individuals connected to the HKSAR government, including previous police commissioner Raymond Siu and other security officials.
Commissioner Chow characterized these sanctions as a "barbaric act" meant to intimidate Hong Kong’s public officials.
Despite this, he asserted that the sanctions affirm the effectiveness of the police force’s operations and indicated no personal concern over the measures.
In his capacity as Police Commissioner, Chow highlighted his commitment to maintaining and improving the effectiveness of the police force, as well as the importance of international cooperation with global law enforcement agencies, which he believes will remain unaffected by the recent sanctions.
Chow Yat-ming has been a member of the HKPF since 1995, where he has held various positions, including that of a crime detective.
His career includes extensive experience in criminal investigations and intelligence, alongside significant involvement in policy-making related to crime management.
Notably, during the 2019 protests in Hong Kong, Chow led police operations at the Polytechnic University, successfully coordinating a 14-day standoff that resulted in the arrest of 1,377 individuals.
The decision, reported by state media, was made in compliance with the HKSAR Basic Law, based on a nomination from Chief Executive John Lee.
In a press briefing following his appointment, Commissioner Chow detailed his strategic priorities focusing on three main areas: preserving national security, promoting smart policing through technology, and fostering a strong team culture within the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF).
He emphasized the importance of increasing public awareness regarding national security measures, reflecting on the role of these laws in stabilizing the region since the introduction of the National Security Law five years ago and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance enacted last year.
Chow acknowledged that despite the stabilization efforts, risks still remain, stating, "undercurrents still exist everywhere." He pointed out concerns regarding various forms of "soft resistance" that could undermine the law, suggesting increasing efforts in public outreach and education to mitigate these risks.
Additionally, the day before his appointment, reports indicated that the United States imposed new sanctions against six individuals connected to the HKSAR government, including previous police commissioner Raymond Siu and other security officials.
Commissioner Chow characterized these sanctions as a "barbaric act" meant to intimidate Hong Kong’s public officials.
Despite this, he asserted that the sanctions affirm the effectiveness of the police force’s operations and indicated no personal concern over the measures.
In his capacity as Police Commissioner, Chow highlighted his commitment to maintaining and improving the effectiveness of the police force, as well as the importance of international cooperation with global law enforcement agencies, which he believes will remain unaffected by the recent sanctions.
Chow Yat-ming has been a member of the HKPF since 1995, where he has held various positions, including that of a crime detective.
His career includes extensive experience in criminal investigations and intelligence, alongside significant involvement in policy-making related to crime management.
Notably, during the 2019 protests in Hong Kong, Chow led police operations at the Polytechnic University, successfully coordinating a 14-day standoff that resulted in the arrest of 1,377 individuals.
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