Erick Tsang

Not to be confused with Eric Tsang.
In this Hong Kong name, the surname is Tsang. In accordance with Hong Kong custom, the Western-style name is Erick Tsang and the Chinese-style name is Tsang Kwok-wai.

The Honourable
Erick Tsang
GBS IDSM JP
曾國衞
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs
In office
22 April 2020 – 27 January 2026
Chief ExecutiveCarrie Lam
John Lee Ka-chiu
Preceded byPatrick Nip
Succeeded byClement Woo (acting)
Director of Immigration
In office
5 April 2016 – 22 April 2020
Security SecretaryLai Tung-kwok
John Lee Ka-chiu
Preceded byEric Chan
Succeeded byAu Ka-wang
Personal details
Born (1963-09-01) 1 September 1963
Hong Kong
Alma materNew Asia College, CUHK (BSS)
Erick Tsang Kwok-wai
Traditional Chinese曾國衞
Simplified Chinese曾国衞
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinZēng Guówèi
Yue: Cantonese
Jyutpingzang1 gwok3 wai6

Erick Tsang Kwok-wai GBS IDSM JP (Chinese: 曾國衞; born 1 September 1963) is a Hong Kong politician, serving as Director of Immigration and later Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, one of the principal officials of Hong Kong, since 2020. He oversaw the "patriots-only" elections which recorded historic low turnout, before resigning in 2026 citing health.

Early life and career

Tsang was born in 1963 in British Hong Kong. He graduated from Buddhist Tai Hung College in 1980, and matriculated to New Asia College of the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1982, graduating in 1986 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and communication.[1]

Tsang joined the Immigration Department in 1987 as an Assistant Immigration Officer and rose through the ranks to become Principal Immigration Officer in 2009. He was Assistant Secretary for Security from 2003 to 2006. In 2012, he became Assistant Director of Immigration and then in 2014, Deputy Director of Immigration. In April 2016, he was appointed Director of Immigration. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led a team and negotiated the return of Hong Kong passengers stranded on the Diamond Princess.[2]

In an interview with the state media Bauhinia Magazine, a prominently positioned photograph of General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Xi Jinping was seen in his office. Tsang denied claims that this is attempted to show his loyalty towards Xi.[3][4]

Political career

In April 2020, the State Council of China appointed Tsang Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs,[5] replacing Patrick Nip, days after the department had failed to reflect Beijing's controversially changed position on the status of the Liaison Office under Hong Kong's Basic Law.[6][7] He is the first constitutional secretary that is not from the Administrative Officer team. His first major mission is to secure the passage of the National Anthem Bill, which was ferociously rejected by the pro-democracy members.[3]

In August 2020, Tsang and ten other officials were sanctioned by the United States Department of the Treasury under Executive Order 13936 by President Trump for undermining Hong Kong's autonomy.[8][9][10] Tsang said he felt "nothing at all.[2] Tsang is also one of the 10 individuals named by the United States Department of State that materially contributed to the failure of the China to meet its obligations under the Sino–British Joint Declaration and Hong Kong's Basic Law.[11]

In September 2020, when pro-democracy organizers planned to hold primaries for the 2020 legislative election, Tsang said that candidates could be in breach of the National Security Law.[12] 47 pro-democracy leaders and activists were later arrested for subversion, known as Hong Kong 47. Tsang said that they had to pay the price for "crossing the red line" by organizing primaries for the Legislative Council.[13]

Patriots-only elections

See also: Patriots administering Hong Kong

In 2021, Tsang said district councillors will be required to take an oath to pledge loyalty to the government under the National Security Law,[14][15] adding that "You cannot say that you are patriotic but you do not love the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party or you do not respect it - this does not make sense."[16] Opposition decried the new requirement as to crushing dissent.[17] The bill was introduced in March 2021; Tsang stated that he would like it "passed as soon as possible."[18]

As rumours grew that Beijing would introduce changes to the electoral system, Tsang affirmed that the government will fully cooperate when Beijing reaches a concrete decision.[19] He led a full-scale publicity drive for the legislation that would only allow "patriots" to serve in the government.[20] In less than two weeks, approximately HK $2.5 million was spent on creating some promotional videos.[21] In addition, Tsang, along with Teresa Cheng, announced that the government would be looking into the possibility of banning blank ballots, a controversial move that legal scholar Johannes Chan questioned its legality.[22] He also supported proposed proposal that would give the Secretary of Justice the power to suspend lawmakers.[23]

The first "patriots-only" election was conducted in December 2021, with a record-low turnout of 30.2%. Prior to the election, Tsang threatened to sue The Wall Street Journal for illegally convincing people to cast blank ballots in an editorial.[24] Nonetheless, he downplayed the turnout, arguing that people should not only look at figures to judge the election.[25] He claimed that democracy in Hong Kong has taken "a quantum leap forward" since the handover,[26] and the ultimate aim of attaining universal suffrage remains unchanged.[27] Later as District Councils faced similar reform in 2023 with less democratically elected seats, Tsang said "anti-China" forces used "loopholes" to "swindle" votes during the 2019 district council elections; he rejected claims that the new changes mean democratic backsliding.[28][29]

In October 2022, Tsang said that the policy of requiring only "patriots" to serve in the government may be expanded from the current policy of requiring civil servants, District Council members, as well as government schoolteachers to pledge loyalty to the government, to also include key employees in statutory bodies and public utilities in the future.[30]

Later career

In July 2023, Tsang submitted legislation to ban insults to the flag of Hong Kong, including insults posted online, so that citizens could "consciously respect and love" the flag.[31]

In January 2024, after lawmaker Paul Tse accused the government of prioritizing the complaints of mainland Chinese over local Hong Kong people, Tsang said that "views on Hong Kong, whether expressed on local or Mainland social media, carry equal weight" to the government.[32]

Tsang also pushed for the same-sex relationship bill which ultimately failed due to massive pushback from the conservative wing. Ng Chau-pei, leader of the FTU, claimed Tsang had begged him to support the bill.

There were growing rumours that Tsang could leave his position after a front page report by Ming Pao in January 2026. The news was confirmed on 27 January 2026 after the Chinese government removed Tsang from the government. Later that day, Tsang said he resigned on health grounds. He said he had persistently high prostate-specific antigen, which is linked to the possibility of prostate cancer.[3]

Personal life

In October 2021, Tsang's wife Louise Ho Pui-shan, born 1968, became Commissioner of Customs and Excise of Hong Kong, after a three-decade career in the service,[33][34][35] while her younger sister Doris Ho Pui-ling - Tsang's sister-in-law - has since January 2021 headed up the government's Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office.[36]

In June 2022, Tsang tested positive for COVID-19.[37] Tsang's wife was deemed a close contact, and underwent mandatory quarantine.[37] In July 2022, she was put in quarantine again due to being a close contact with an infected colleague.[38]

According to a declaration of interests from 2023, Tsang owns property outside of Hong Kong.[39]

On 25 November 2020, Tsang was spotted sleeping during Chief Executive Carrie Lam's annual Policy Address. At a press conference two days later, Tsang claimed that medication he took caused the drowsiness.[40]

References

  1. ^ "Three Alumni Appointed as Principal Officials of Sixth-term HKSAR Government – CUHK New Asia College". www.na.cuhk.edu.hk. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Erick Tsang resigns following a tenure with electoral reforms and challenges". The Standard. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  3. ^ a b c "曾國衞辭任 | 披露前列腺癌指數升 PSA 值過 11 指日後若有機，望不同崗位貢獻社會". The Collective. 27 January 2026. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  4. ^ Lung, Natalie (22 April 2020). "Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam Replaces Five Ministers in Cabinet Reshuffle". Hong Kong Free Press. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  5. ^ "Government announces appointment and removal of Principal Officials (with photos)". Hong Kong Government. 20 April 2020.
  6. ^ Ho, Kelly (21 April 2020). "Mainland affairs minister Patrick Nip replaced following apology over Beijing office row". Hong Kong Free Press. HKFP. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
  7. ^ Cheung, Gary (21 April 2020). "Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam to announce major cabinet reshuffle with four ministers leaving and another transferred, sources reveal". SCMP. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
  8. ^ "US sanctions Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, police chief and 9 other top officials for 'undermining autonomy'". Hong Kong Free Press HKFP. 7 August 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  9. ^ Macias, Amanda (7 August 2020). "U.S. sanctions Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam for carrying out Chinese 'policies of suppression'". CNBC. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  10. ^ "Treasury Sanctions Individuals for Undermining Hong Kong's Autonomy". United States Department of the Treasury. 7 August 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  11. ^ U.S. Department of State. "Identification of Foreign Persons Involved in the Erosion of the Obligations of China Under the Joint Declaration or the Basic Law". Archived from the original on 15 October 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  12. ^ "Hong Kong national security law: 53 held for subversion in biggest crackdown yet". South China Morning Post. 6 January 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  13. ^ "'Pan-dems have to pay for crossing red line' - RTHK". news.rthk.hk. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  14. ^ Chau, Candice (7 January 2021). "Hong Kong district councillors should swear allegiance to the city, says mainland affairs minister". Hong Kong Free Press.
  15. ^ Ho, Kelly (21 January 2021). "Hong Kong district councillors have to swear loyalty to gov't, top official says". Hong Kong Free Press.
  16. ^ Analysis by James Griffiths (24 February 2021). "Analysis: Hong Kong's new loyalty oath requires all lawmakers to love China -- and the Communist Party". CNN. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  17. ^ "Govt move will see off at least four councillors - RTHK". news.rthk.hk. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  18. ^ "Hong Kong gov't puts district councillors' new oath-taking requirement to legislature". Hong Kong Free Press HKFP. 17 March 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  19. ^ "Legco polls date is up to Beijing: Erick Tsang - RTHK". news.rthk.hk. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  20. ^ "Hong Kong to launch 'full-scale' promotional campaign for electoral overhaul". South China Morning Post. 26 March 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  21. ^ Candice Chau (26 March 2021). "Hong Kong racks up HK$2.5 million spend on election overhaul promos". Hong Kong Free Press HKFP. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  22. ^ "Why debate is raging on making it illegal to cast blank ballots in Hong Kong". South China Morning Post. 6 April 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
  23. ^ "Proposed bill would give Hong Kong justice chief 'overly wide' powers to suspend lawmakers: critics ｜ Apple Daily". Apple Daily 蘋果日報 (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  24. ^ "Hong Kong threatens Wall St Journal over 'incitement' following editorial on upcoming poll". Hong Kong Free Press. 6 December 2021. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  25. ^ "Legco polls turnout wasn't too low: Erick Tsang - RTHK". news.rthk.hk. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
  26. ^ Leung, Hillary (13 July 2022). "'That would actually depend': Hong Kong rebuffs UN concerns over security law risks for groups at rights hearing". Hong Kong Free Press HKFP. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
  27. ^ Leung, Hillary (13 July 2022). "Hong Kong tells UN democracy took 'quantum leap forward' amid grilling over press freedom, disbanded NGOs". Hong Kong Free Press HKFP. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
  28. ^ "Hong Kong tables District Council overhaul bill, accuses ex-councillors of 'swindling' votes in 2019 election - Hong Kong Free Press HKFP". Hong Kong Free Press. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  29. ^ Lee, Peter (12 May 2023). "Claims that District Councils are linked to Hong Kong's democratic progression 'misinterpret' Basic Law, official says". Hong Kong Free Press HKFP. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  30. ^ "Public utility execs may have to take oaths: govt - RTHK". news.rthk.hk. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  31. ^ Ho, Kelly (12 July 2023). "Outlawing online insults to regional flag can promote public respect and love for Hong Kong symbol, gov't says". Hong Kong Free Press HKFP. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  32. ^ Lee, James. "Hong Kong says it listens to locals, as well as mainland tourists". hongkongfp.com. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  33. ^ "Congratulations to our alumna Ms HO Pui Shan Louise, C.M.S.M, for becoming the Deputy Commissioner of Customs and Excise. | 英華女校校友會YWGSAA". www.ywgsaa.org.hk.
  34. ^ "New customs chief appointed". Hong Kong's Information Services Department (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). Retrieved 21 October 2021.
  35. ^ Louise Ho becomes HK's first female customs chief, The Standard, 21 October 2021
  36. ^ "Hong Kong's new customs chief to focus on national security threats". South China Morning Post. 21 October 2021. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  37. ^ a b "2 top Hong Kong officials contract Covid, raising concerns over state leader visit". South China Morning Post. 23 June 2022. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  38. ^ "HK reports another 2,773 local coronavirus cases - RTHK". news.rthk.hk. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  39. ^ "16 Hong Kong top advisers declare ownership of 110 properties, 450 plots of land". South China Morning Post. 9 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  40. ^ "'Medicine put me to sleep, not the Policy Address'". RTHK. 27 November 2020.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.