City Beat | Never mind the praise for Carrie Lam, here come the conditions set for Hong Kong by Beijing’s new envoy
- Hongkongers may be baffled by emphatic backing of city’s leader, but strict terms of that support have been made clear by new liaison office chief
- Luo Huining’s experience in provinces where he forged ‘trouble shooter’ reputation not enough, success largely depends on his chemistry with Lam’s administration
Many Hongkongers are incredulous and frustrated that Beijing has been praising embattled Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor throughout these past months of political and social turmoil.
But the first meeting between Lam and Luo Huining, after his surprise appointment by Beijing as its new envoy to the city, sent out a fresh message to all: support comes with conditions.
After a closed-door meeting for 1½ hours on Thursday, both their offices issued statements separately highlighting the key issues discussed.
And Luo’s side revealed the most eye-catching part – “requests from the central government” laying out four areas needing “further” improvement.
Lam’s tasks now are: to further ensure “one country, two systems” is well implemented; to further curb violence and quell unrest to restore social order; to further develop the economy and people’s livelihood; and to further enhance communication between their two offices so as to better perform their shared duties in handling the city’s problems.
