On September 22, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, in accordance with Article 16(2) of the Hong Kong National Security Law, appointed Kong Hok-lai as Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security), succeeding the retired Kan Kai-yan. The appointment took effect immediately, and Kong was sworn in on the same day. Kong Hok-lai was included in the U.S. sanctions list in 2021.
On September 16, when Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced his Policy Address, he used a white piece of paper to align line by line as he read. Ta Kung Pao reported that this reflected being 'serious and rigorous,' which sparked mockery from netizens regarding official propaganda methods.
At 11:00 AM on September 16, 2026, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced the first five-year plan in Hong Kong's history at the Legislative Council. The plan consists of 7 parts and 28 chapters, totaling over 60,000 words, and proposes 22 major indicators, 5 of which are binding. The plan covers targets such as land supply in the Northern Metropolis, innovation activities, industrial development, students, and tourists, requiring relevant indicators to be completed as scheduled.
On July 23, 2026, US Secretary of State Rubio confirmed during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting that, although part of the national emergency order concerning Hong Kong has lapsed, US sanctions on 39 mainland Chinese and Hong Kong officials, including Xia Baolong and John Lee, remain unchanged.