Heat is on for Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam after virtual meeting with Xi Jinping, as allies urge more action on coronavirus, livelihood issues
- Local politicians and analysts say President Xi Jinping’s recent call with Chief Executive Carrie Lam showed Beijing’s high expectations for the city
- Xi on Wednesday told Lam he was ‘concerned’ about the virus situation, and emphasised the importance of ensuring that ‘patriots govern Hong Kong’
Lam had to deliver results and not just be seen as trying to do more, they added, citing how Xi was making it clear that doing so and reopening the economy remained her top priorities as chief executive.
Pro-establishment political figures also said the city’s government had to continue with their work to curb the influence of the opposition camp to a level Beijing could accept, following remarks from Xi emphasising the importance of ensuring that “patriots govern Hong Kong”.
Lam briefed Xi on her administration’s work in a teleconference on Wednesday in lieu of her annual visit to Beijing, with Xi telling the city’s leader that he was “worried and concerned” about the coronavirus spreading across the city.
While pledging the central government’s utmost efforts to assist Hong Kong in fighting the pandemic, the president also stressed the importance of patriotic leadership as he hailed the restoration of stability over the past year.