Xi Jinping reminds Carrie Lam of need to solve Hong Kong’s conflicts and challenges

President showers praise on leader in waiting while emphasising her heavy responsibilities, while Lam says she raised city’s concerns about political reform

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Chief executive-elect Carrie Lam meets President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Photo: ISD

Published: 1:00pm, 11 Apr 2017Updated: 11:41pm, 11 Apr 2017

In their first meeting since Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor was elected Hong Kong’s next leader, President Xi Jinping on Tuesday reminded her of her heavy responsibility to resolve conflicts and challenges facing the city, while throwing his “full support” behind her.

Wrapping up her duty visit to the capital, Lam told the media she had conveyed Hongkongers’ concerns and sentiments regarding Beijing’s rigid framework for the city’s constitutional development, though she reiterated the blueprint would remain the basis for future political reform.

All eyes were on the meeting in Zhongnanhai, the state leaders’ compound, just hours after Lam received her official certificate of appointment as the city’s chief executive from Premier Li Keqiang.

Xi showered praise on Lam, but also reminded her of the need to resolve conflicts in the city as he pledged the central government would not sway in its determination to uphold the “one country, two systems” governing formula.

“In the past 20 years, Hong Kong has gone through many ups and downs. Especially in recent years, some long-standing conflicts and problems have been gradually exposed,” he observed.