HONG KONG — John Lee on May 20 thanked the central government for appointing him as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The State Council, China's cabinet, made the decision of appointment at a meeting on May 20.

"I am deeply honored by the appointment and fully aware of the great responsibility upon me. I shall shoulder my mission with loyalty and perseverance," Lee said in a statement.

He pledges to live up to the expectations of the central government and the people of Hong Kong and do his utmost to lead the new-term HKSAR government to comprehensively and accurately implement the principle of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong," and a high degree of autonomy in accordance with the Basic Law of the HKSAR.

Lee also said he will rise to the challenges ahead at his best, strive to help the needy, unite the society, and build a Hong Kong with vibrancy, hope, and opportunities as well as a caring and inclusive culture.

Lee won the HKSAR chief executive election on May 8. He will assume office on July 1, 2022.