Beijing’s new envoy urges Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam in first talks to step up efforts to quell protest unrest
- Liaison office chief Luo Huining sets out four tasks for city leader to do more and do better in first official meeting since his appointment
- He also calls on chief executive to adhere to ‘one country, two systems’, improve livelihoods and strengthen communication in handling problems
The veteran troubleshooter Beijing has appointed as its top envoy to Hong Kong met the city’s embattled leader, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, on Thursday to urge her to redouble her efforts in quelling seven months of protest violence and chaos.
He called on Lam to further ensure that the “one country, two systems” principle for governing Hong Kong would continue to guide the city’s progress, do more to end the violence, further improve the economy and people’s livelihood, and further strengthen communication in handling the city’s problems.
Both expressed confidence that, with the nation’s backing and the concerted efforts of various sectors in Hong Kong, the city would be able to get back on track.
Luo met Lam for about 1½ hours at Government House, her official residence, amid speculation that Beijing was signalling a change in its policy on the city as Lam’s government struggled to restore order and end the social unrest triggered by her now-withdrawn extradition bill.
“Both sides mentioned the need to fulfil the central government’s demands to further implement the ‘one country, two systems’ principle to maintain Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability, and further suppress violence and chaos,” a statement issued by Luo’s office read.
“[They also talked about] further developing the economy, improving people’s livelihood … and further strengthening communication and cooperation.