Xi tightens grip on Hong Kong with change at the top

Central government sacks highest official responsible for protest-hit city

Zhang Xiaoming has been removed from his position as director of China's office handling Hong Kong affairs. © Reuters

MICHELLE CHAN, Nikkei staff writer

February 14, 2020 02:51 JST

HONG KONG -- China has ousted its highest-ranking official in charge of Hong Kong after months of anti-government protests, further cementing control over the semi-autonomous city.

The change forms part of a bigger shake-up in the Chinese Communist Party, whose chiefs in coronavirus-stricken Hubei Province and its capital of Wuhan have been relieved of their duties.