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BEIJING/HONG KONG — Hong Kong leader-elect Carrie Lam (picture) said yesterday there is no room for moves towards independence in the former British colony which she said needs the support of Beijing to boost economic development over the next few years.
“On the issue of Hong Kong independence, in line with what the premier has said, there is no future and no room,” she told reporters in Beijing after Premier Li Keqiang presented her with a letter of appointment as Chief Executive, paving the way for her to take office on July 1.
“In the next five years, in particular in economic development, there are many areas in which we need support from the central government,” added Mrs Lam, who also met Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Leaders in Beijing have been increasingly concerned about a fledgling independence movement in the financial hub that returned to mainland rule in 1997 with a promise of autonomy.
Hong Kong has seen tumultuous times over the past couple of years, with pro-democracy protests quelled, an increase in what many residents see as creeping interference by Beijing and the rise of a small but vocal movement pushing for independence.
Mrs Lam was chosen in March to become Hong Kong’s first female leader by a 1,200-person “election committee” stacked with pro-Beijing and pro-establishment loyalists.
She has said unifying society and healing political divisions would be among her most urgent tasks. Making housing more affordable in one of the world’s most expensive property markets is also among her top priorities.
Breaking his silence on Hong Kong affairs for the first time yesterday since the politically charged Chief Executive election, Mr Xi showered praise on Mrs Lam, saying her election victory was “well deserved”.
“You have worked in the government for 35 years, especially after the handover, you have taken up many important posts,” he said.
“You firmly love the country and love Hong Kong, you have been willing to shoulder responsibilities, and you are capable of sorting out complicated situations.
“You have high recognition in the society.”
Mrs Lam fit the central government’s criteria for the Chief Executive, he added.
The Chinese President then turned to the operation of the “one country, two systems” model, which he said “needs to continue to explore its way forward”.
“In the past 20 years, Hong Kong has gone through many ups and downs, especially in recent years, some conflicts and problems have been gradually exposed,” he observed.
“At this stage, there are challenges and risks, but there are also opportunities and hopes. “As the new Chief Executive, you have great responsibility.”
The central government will not sway its determination to uphold “one country, two systems”, the principle of Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong and a high degree of autonomy for the city, he said.
“(We) will fully support you and the new administration to rule in accordance with the law ... I hope you will lead the government and all sectors of the society to unite each other, be tolerant and progressive, and to contribute to Hong Kong’s development and progress.”
Mr Xi looked at a script most of the time as he spoke to Mrs Lam, while she glanced at him throughout.
Ahead of the meeting with Mr Xi, Premier Li Keqiang set out a to-do list for Mrs Lam, urging her to develop the economy, unite the new government and all sectors of society, and take the city to “a new level”.
“This is a very heavy responsibility,” Mr Li told Mrs Lam.
The next few months will be critical for Mrs Lam and incumbent leader Leung Chun-ying, with Mr Xi expected to visit on July 1 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover from British to Chinese rule, with protests expected.
Large-scale pro-democracy protests in late 2014 brought parts of the city to a standstill and hindered policy-making and legislative work. AGENCIES