Beijing to hold second press briefing on Hong Kong unrest in two weeks
- Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office announces it will speak to the media on Tuesday, after Chief Executive Carrie Lam issues stern warning
- Source says office may announce ‘something new’, but according to an official, Beijing’s position on the city remains largely unchanged
Beijing will hold a press conference on Tuesday to reiterate its backing for Hong Kong’s embattled Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the second such show of support in two weeks.
It comes after the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) under the State Council – China’s cabinet – last week broke its silence on the protests and violent clashes since June, giving its first media briefing on the city since its return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.
A source familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the office may announce “something new” but refused to elaborate further.
Another official with knowledge of the situation told the South China Morning Post that Beijing’s position on Hong Kong remained largely unchanged.
“Hong Kong will not have the same strategic value to China if the chaos continues. If things come to that, even if the central government wants to save Hong Kong, there is not much it can do,” he said.
The Post will carry live coverage of the press conference from 2.30pm.