Hong Kong: The Silence of the Expats

Uncertainty in Hong Kong has increased further since the new chief executive John Lee took office. Even German citizens are censoring themselves as a precaution because they are not sure where the authorities draw political red lines. The consequences are emigration and a growing shortage of skilled workers. But the city seems more concerned with spreading political mantra than economic confidence.

Hong Kong’s new chief executive John Lee has been in office for three months, but it is surprisingly quiet around him. That may be by design. Whereas his predecessor Carrie Lam had clear announcements, actions and thus publicly discussed controversies, under Lee silence and unpredictability prevail. This raises questions: Where is Hong Kong headed? Where are the red lines? The lack of clarity settles over the metropolis like a heavy cloak, and it also causes problems for the city’s expats.

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