Asia

Hong Kong's leader says he won't run for another term

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying speaks during a stand up in Hong Kong, Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. On Friday Leung Said he wouldn't run again for the job after his current term ends next year, citing unspecified family reasons. (AP Photo/Man Choi) (The Associated Press)

Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying speaks during a briefing in Hong Kong, Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. On Friday Leung said he wouldn't run again for the job after his current term ends next year, citing unspecified family reasons. (AP Photo/Man Choi) (The Associated Press)

Hong Kong's Beijing-backed leader, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, says he won't run again for the job after his current term ends next year, citing unspecified family reasons.

Leung, who was chosen by a panel of Beijing-friendly tycoons and other Hong Kong elites, made the surprise announcement Friday.

He is deeply unpopular in Hong Kong because of the hard-line stance his government has taken against pro-democracy activists.