TIL Desk/World/Beijing/ Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told Hong Kong CEO Carrie Lam on Monday that her government must continue its efforts to end the violence and chaos in the city, while also addressing the deep-rooted problems in society. The meeting, at the Hong Kong room of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, came on the third day of Lam”s annual duty visit to China.
“The central government (of China) fully acknowledges the efforts made by you and the city”s government,” Li told Lam. “The city”s government must continue to make efforts in stopping violence and ending chaos in accordance with the law, and restore order. “It must also study with urgency the deep-rooted conflicts and problems in Hong Kong”s socio-economic development, and safeguard the city”s long-term prosperity and stability,” the premier added.
In response to Li, Lam admitted Hong Kong that had faced a very grim situation on the political, economic and social front over the past year. The city has recorded a significant economic downturn over the first six months, she said, but attributed it to external factors, such as the ongoing US-China trade war. “There would be a more significant downturn in the third quarter because of the internal social unrest,” Lam added.
