Beijing backs new HK chief
‘ One country, two systems’ principle to be upheld: Xi
China’s central government on Tuesday gave its full support to Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet- ngor, the fifth- term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ( HKSAR), who reiterated zero tolerance for Hong Kong independence, after being granted the official certificate of appointment in Beijing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping received Lam on Tuesday.
With 36 years in govern- ment, especially in key posts after Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, Lam has shown “a firm love for the country and Hong Kong, a diligent, pragmatic and responsible work style, as well as rich administrative experience and the abil- ity to handle complicated situations,” Xi said.
Xi added that the central government is determined to adhere to the principles of “one country, two systems,” as well as “Hong Kong people
administering Hong Kong” and “a high degree of autonomy.” He said the central government will fully support Lam and her administration’s governance of Hong Kong based on law.
“The central government has been consistent in supporting Hong Kong’s development under the Basic Law,” Yin Hongbiao, a Peking University professor, told the Global Times on Tuesday.
But calls for Hong Kong independence have challenged the central government’s bottom line, pushing the latter to exercise its authority to safeguard the one- country principle, which serves as the foundation for the two systems, the professor said.
“The Basic Law allows for various voices but leaves no room for Hong Kong independence,” Yin noted.
Stable and prosperous
Lam received the certificate of appointment from Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday in Beijing. She is expected to take office on July 1.
Premier Li said that the central government will give its full support to the new chief executive and the SAR government in developing Hong Kong’s economy, improving its quality of life and enhancing exchanges and cooperation with the mainland.
Lam said she would diligently carry out her duties and do her best to work well, adding she would live up to the central government’s expectations and the great trust of Hong Kong citizens, Xinhua reported.
At a press conference, she repeated Li’s comments that “there is no room for moves toward independence in Hong Kong.”
“This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establish- ment of the HKSAR. Hong Kong remains stable and prosperous and continues to be an international financial hub, which is proof of the Basic Law’s successful implementation,” Lam was quoted as saying by thepaper. cn.
“Lam will face considerable resistance after taking office, given the rising activity of Hong Kong- independent forces,” Yin said.
The professor pointed out that Lam would take office on the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the SAR, putting more pressure on her to sustain a stable and harmonious society.
Healing Hong Kong
“The central government needs a strong government to ensure Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity as well as a close relationship between the city and the mainland,” Tian Feilong, a legal expert and associate professor at Beihang University in Beijing, told the Global Times on Monday.
However, Tian warned that the central government’s support might lead to her demonization by opposition forces, which would create obstacles after she assumes office.
“But the environment is changing, with some opposition forces now willing to cooperate with the government, as they have acknowledged that confrontation would only harm Hong Kong’s interests,” Tian said.
Lam is Hong Kong’s first female leader. She won the chief executive election on March 26, winning 777 of 1,163 valid votes, followed by Tsang Chunwah with 365 and Woo Kwokhing with 21.
“Lam has been showing goodwill to Hong Kong society, including pan- democratic opposition parties, since her victory. She wants to demonstrate a new management style where the government is more inclusive and more concerned about Hong Kong’s young people,” Tian explained.
“She is good at communicating with people and shows respect towards her colleagues. She is also a female leader, which could help her soften conflicts and rebuild Hong Kong society.”