Independence issue presents challenge for Carrie Lam in maiden policy address

Analysts say Hong Kong’s leader must walk a tightrope between the toeing the party line and not alienating the opposition

3-MIN READ3-MIN

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor will need to address the issue of Hong Kong independence in her maiden policy address, analysts say. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 5:21pm, 6 Oct 2017Updated: 11:12pm, 6 Oct 2017

Hong Kong’s leader faces a potential political minefield in her first policy speech on Wednesday as the issue of independence will need to be addressed, analysts have said.

While government spin doctors have tried to steer media attention towards Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s “hope and happiness” initiatives that target social and economic issues, some political watchers are keeping an eye on how the chief executive will deal with Hong Kong-mainland relations.

Lam’s maiden address in front of legislators comes at a politically charged time, especially at the city’s university campuses. A powder keg of emotions erupted after pro-independence banners and posters appeared on at least six campuses since the start of the academic year, igniting the so-called “poster wars” between local and mainland students.

Some of that anger was also seen on National Day, when thousands of people took to the streets in Causeway Bay to protest against what they considered “authoritarian rule” in the city.

Linda Li Che-lan, a professor at City University of Hong Kong and a member of the moderate pro-democracy think tank Future at Hong Kong, said President Xi Jinping put pressure on Lam to toe the party line during his visit in July.

President Xi Jinping and Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor at Lam’s inauguration in July. Photo: ISD

Independence issue presents challenge for Carrie Lam in maiden policy address

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Analysts say Hong Kong’s leader must walk a tightrope between the toeing the party line and not alienating the opposition

Analysts say Hong Kong’s leader must walk a tightrope between the toeing the party line and not alienating the opposition