Hong Kong’s newly appointed police chief has pledged to safeguard national security, advance smart policing, and foster a cohesive team culture to uphold the city's status as one of the world's safest and most secure metropolises.

The State Council on Wednesday announced the appointment of Joe Chow Yat-ming, formerly one of the police force’s three deputy commissioners, as the new commissioner of police of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Chow was appointed to succeed Raymond Siu Chak-yee, whose term started in June 2021 and was extended for two years in 2023 to allow for a smooth transition to occur within the Police Force’s senior management.

Meeting reporters for the first time as the police chief on Wednesday afternoon, Chow said that his priority during his term will be to safeguard national security and raise awareness of the importance of national security across the entire community.

He cautioned of the need to address “soft confrontation”, saying that although stability has been restored to the city since the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, some people remain intent on inciting others through the media and other cultural and artistic content.

He said that Hong Kong's current security has been hard-earned, and advocated for unity between law enforcement forces and residents to collectively uphold safety in the city; he also said he is committed to enhancing the police force's capabilities in alignment with the professionalism of past police chiefs.

In response to the recent sanctions imposed by the US authorities on his predecessor Siu, Chow said he will lead the police force fearlessly when it comes to addressing any such challenges.

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He added that the move is aimed at suppressing and intimidating public servants, especially police officers, which proves that the force’s efforts to maintain national security are succeeding.

Such “sanctions” will not hinder the police force’s collaboration with overseas partners, Chow added.

Chow also outlined plans for the police force to implement smart policing through the use of technology to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness, thus providing a higher standard of service.

Additionally, he said he is dedicated to fostering a cohesive team culture by reinforcing the force's core values, instilling a sense of belonging, and providing ample support and opportunities to encourage and empower officers.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Wednesday said he is confident in the new police commissioner’s leadership, adding that Chow’s nearly three decades of service in the force — with extensive experience in criminal investigations, intelligence gathering, policy formulation and personnel management — will help him in his new position.

Lee also expressed his gratitude to Siu for the contributions he has made to Hong Kong and wished him a pleasant retirement. He commended Siu’s remarkable achievements in leadership, managing social conflicts, safeguarding the city, upholding the rule of law, combating fraud, and fighting criminal activities during his tenure.

Executive Council convener and lawmaker Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee praised Chow's wealth of policing experience, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the police force.

Chow, 52, joined the Hong Kong Police Force in 1995 as an inspector and was subsequently promoted to superintendent in 2010, senior superintendent in 2013, assistant commissioner in 2020, and deputy commissioner in 2022.

Siu joined the HKPF in 1988 and was appointed commissioner of police in 2021. He began his pre-retirement leave on Wednesday after having served the force for 36 years.

Profile of Joe Chow Yat-ming

•    1995: Joined the Hong Kong Police Force as an inspector, focusing on criminal investigation and intelligence gathering work at different levels.

•    2010: Promoted to superintendent, serving in the crime wing headquarters.

•    2012-2013: Seconded to Interpol General Secretariat in Lyon, France as a criminal intelligence officer.

•    2013: Promoted to senior superintendent and assumed the role of deputy in command at the criminal intelligence bureau.

•    2016: Further advanced to chief superintendent, taking command of the bureau.

•    2017: Served as the district commander of Yau Tsim district.

•    Early 2019: Appointed as the deputy regional commander of Kowloon West region.

•    February 2020: Promoted to assistant commissioner, overseeing the operations wing and later the personnel wing.

•    January 2021: Became the director of personnel and training as senior assistant commissioner.

•    August 2021: Took office as the director of crime and security.

•    April 2022: Appointed as the deputy commissioner of police (management).

•    August 2023: Assumed the role of deputy commissioner of police (operations).

•    April 2025: appointed as the commissioner of Police

•    Hold Bachelor’s Degree in Science from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Hong Kong

•    Attended training at various Chinese mainland and overseas institutes including the Chinese Academy of Governance, Harvard University, UK College of Policing, and the Scottish Police College during his career.

Contact the writer at stephyzhang@chinadailyhk.com