John Kong named police national security chief
HK01 · 5 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has appointed John Kong Hok-lai (江學禮) as head of the Hong Kong Police Force’s department for safeguarding national security, succeeding the retired Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security) Kan Kai-yan (簡啟恩). The appointment took effect on September 22, and Kong was sworn in on the same day.
Lee said Kong has served in the police force for 30 years and has worked in the National Security Department since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, praising his leadership and national security awareness.
Key Points
- The appointment was made by John Lee under Article 16(2) of the Hong Kong National Security Law, with Kong replacing the retired Kan Kai-yan.
- Kong joined the Hong Kong Police Force as an inspector in 1996 and spent much of his career in the Security Wing and other headquarters and frontline posts.
- From 2013 to 2016, he was seconded to the Security Bureau, serving as Assistant Secretary-General of the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre and planner for interdepartmental counter-terrorism exercises.
- He was promoted to Senior Superintendent in October 2015, Chief Superintendent in May 2018, Assistant Commissioner for National Security in July 2020, and head of the National Security Department in April 2023.
- Sing Tao reported Kong has promoted national security education since 2020, received the Chief Executive’s Commendation for Public Service in 2021, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in July 2026
Why It Matters
The change places a long-serving national security officer in one of the police force’s most sensitive leadership roles at a time when the government continues to stress national security work and education.
Under the law cited by the government, the head of the police national security department is appointed by the Chief Executive after written consultation with the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong
Under the law cited by the government, the head of the police national security department is appointed by the Chief Executive after written consultation with the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong