Chief Executive John Lee Urges Media to Support National Goals

May 15, 2026, 09:57
AsiaPolitics

Introduction

Chief Executive John Lee has asked Hong Kong's media professionals to support the development of the city and mainland China by sharing positive stories.

Main Body

During the annual Hong Kong News Awards, John Lee stated that journalists should do more than just observe events. He emphasized that the media sector should actively help the nation progress, especially during a time of global political instability. Lee argued that prioritizing national and local interests is essential and encouraged journalists to focus on virtue and making a positive contribution to society. Furthermore, the Chief Executive mentioned that Hong Kong's first five-year plan will align with China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). A major goal of this plan is to improve China's global image by creating a stronger national narrative. Consequently, the government views the media as a vital tool for showing the region's advantages and development to people both at home and abroad. Regarding professional standards, Lee asserted that because journalism has so much influence, reporters must remain impartial and avoid seeking personal gain. However, while the government values high-quality reporting to understand public opinion, international organizations have reported a decline in press freedom. These groups claim that security laws passed in 2020 and 2024 have led to the arrest of journalists and the closure of several news companies.

Conclusion

The Hong Kong government is now working to align local media content with national strategic goals to improve the region's international reputation.

Learning

🚀 The "Power-Up" Move: Moving from Simple to Precise Verbs

At the A2 level, we often rely on "safe" words like say, tell, think, or want. To hit B2, you need to describe how someone says something.

Look at how the article describes John Lee. He doesn't just "say" things; he uses specific actions to lead:

  • Urges →\rightarrow Stronger than "asks." It means to try hard to persuade someone to do something.
  • Emphasized →\rightarrow Stronger than "said." It means to show that something is very important.
  • Asserted →\rightarrow Stronger than "thinks." It means to state something confidently and forcefully.

🛠️ How to apply this to your speaking

Stop using "He said..." for everything. Use this logic instead:

If the person is...Use this B2 VerbExample from Text
Trying to push for a goalUrge"Lee urges media to support goals."
Highlighting a main pointEmphasize"He emphasized that the sector should help."
Stating a firm beliefAssert"Lee asserted that reporters must remain impartial."

💡 Pro Tip: The "Connection" Word

Notice the word "Consequently" in the second paragraph.

A2 Style: "The government wants a better image, so they use the media." B2 Style: "The government wants a better image; consequently, they view the media as a vital tool."

Use "Consequently" when you want to sound more professional and show a direct result of a previous action.

Vocabulary Learning

align
to bring into agreement or harmony
Example:The new policy will align with the city's long-term development plan.
improve
to make better or enhance
Example:The campaign aims to improve the country's global image.
progress
to move forward or advance
Example:The media should help the nation progress toward stability.
strategic
relating to long‑term planning or goals
Example:Their strategic goals focus on economic growth.
decline
a decrease or reduction in amount or quality
Example:There has been a decline in press freedom since new laws were passed.
arrest
to detain someone by legal authority
Example:The government arrested several journalists for violating the law.
closure
the act of shutting down or ending operations
Example:The closure of news companies has raised concerns.
public
relating to the people as a whole
Example:Public opinion influences policy decisions.
opinion
a personal view or belief about something
Example:The survey captured the public's opinion on the issue.
press
the journalism industry or media outlets
Example:The press plays a vital role in democracy.
freedom
the power or right to act or think without restriction
Example:Press freedom is essential for a healthy society.
high-quality
of superior standard or excellence
Example:High-quality reporting requires thorough research.
international
relating to the whole world or multiple countries
Example:International organizations monitor media freedom.
security
the state of being safe from danger or threat
Example:Security laws were introduced to protect national interests.
laws
official rules enacted by a governing body
Example:New laws restrict the coverage of certain events.
journalists
professionals who gather and report news
Example:Journalists must adhere to ethical standards.
reporters
individuals who collect and present news information
Example:Reporters often work under tight deadlines.
media
collective term for news outlets and communication channels
Example:Media coverage can shape public perception.
sector
a distinct part or division of an economy or society
Example:The media sector is crucial for information dissemination.
professional
relating to a specific occupation or job
Example:Professional conduct is expected from all reporters.
standards
accepted norms or criteria for quality or behavior
Example:Journalistic standards guide reporting practices.
impartial
unbiased and fair in judgment or opinion
Example:Impartial reporting ensures balanced coverage.
personal
relating to an individual's private life or interests
Example:Personal gain should not influence reporting.
gain
benefit or profit obtained
Example:They sought personal gain through sensational stories.
virtue
moral excellence or goodness of character
Example:Virtue in journalism promotes trust.
contribute
to give or add something to a larger whole
Example:Reporters contribute to public knowledge.
essential
absolutely necessary or indispensable
Example:An essential part of democracy is free speech.
encouraged
motivated or supported to do something
Example:The government encouraged journalists to cover local events.
emphasized
gave special importance or attention to
Example:He emphasized the need for transparency.
prioritizing
giving priority or precedence to something
Example:Prioritizing national interests can sometimes conflict with global concerns.
global
relating to the whole world
Example:Global political instability affects many regions.
instability
lack of stability or steadiness
Example:Political instability can hinder economic growth.
annual
occurring once a year
Example:The annual awards recognize outstanding journalism.
major
significant or large in importance
Example:The major goal is to improve international reputation.
goal
an objective or target to be achieved
Example:Her goal is to promote media freedom.
development
process of growth or progress
Example:Economic development boosts living standards.
advantage
a favorable condition or benefit
Example:The region's advantage is its strategic location.
reputation
the general opinion or standing of someone or something
Example:A strong reputation attracts investment.
narrative
a story or account that explains events
Example:The national narrative shapes cultural identity.
vital
extremely important or essential
Example:Vital information should be communicated accurately.