Top Chinese official in Macau jumps off building
The head of China's Liaison Office in Macau appears to have committed suicide after a period of depression.
|
Director Trinh Hieu Tong after being appointed in late 2017. Photo:SCMP. |
"Director of the Chinese Liaison Office in Macau Zheng Xiaozong died on the night of October 20 after jumping from the building where he lived,"Reutersciting a statement released by the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council of China today.
Beijing did not provide details about Mr. Trinh's death, only revealing that the official had long suffered from depression.
Mr. Zheng, 59, is a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and was appointed as the director of the Liaison Office of China in Macau in September 2017. The office acts as a bridge between Beijing and the Macau government and has become increasingly influential in local affairs. The head of the Liaison Office is considered the highest-ranking Chinese official in Macau.
Macau has followed a "one country, two systems" policy since its handover from Portugal to China in 1999. The central government is responsible for defense and foreign affairs, while the special administrative region maintains its own legal system, police, currency and customs.
