Hong Kong's John Lee tightens embrace of Xi in pivotal year for himself

Amid second term speculation, chief executive ties handover day to Communist Party anniversary

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee speaks at a reception for the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on July 1. (Hong Kong government)

TOKYO -- At a ceremony marking the 29th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from Britain to China on Wednesday, the city's Chief Executive John Lee highlighted a different occasion as well.