The appointment of a former security chief as Hong Kong’s new leader, according to the European Union’s foreign policy chief, violated democratic norms.

A small committee of Beijing loyalists appointed John Lee, 64, who oversaw the crackdown on Hong Kong’s democracy movement, as Hong Kong leader on Sunday.

“The European Union regrets this violation of democratic principles and political pluralism and sees this selection process as yet another step in the dismantling of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle,” Josep Borrell Fontelles said in a statement.

“The European Union attaches great importance to the preservation of Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy as well as respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including media freedom, democratic principles and the rule of law, in line with the Basic Law and with international commitments,” it said.

“The EU calls on Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to abide by their national and international commitments, notably the ultimate aim of electing the Chief Executive and members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage.”

Lee, who is sanctioned by the US, was the sole candidate in the Beijing-backed race to replace outgoing leader Carrie Lam.

His appointment puts a security official in charge of the city for the first time after a turbulent few years marked by political unrest and crippling pandemic controls.