In break with protocol, Carrie Lam holds long session with top Hong Kong affairs official
Then chief executive-elect Leung Chun-ying did not have a one-on-one with Xi Jinping, who was then in charge of Hong Kong affairs, five years ago
Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor held a marathon meeting in Beijing on Monday with the top official in charge of Hong Kong affairs – a departure from regular protocol ahead of receiving her letter of appointment on Tuesday as Hong Kong’s next chief executive.
She will meet Premier Li Keqiang for the letter first, followed by talks with President Xi Jinping, for the first time since winning the city’s leadership race last month.
She spent three hours in talks with National People’s Congress chairman Zhang Dejiang in the Great Hall of the People, raising eyebrows as it deviated from previous practice.
Outgoing Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying did not have a private meeting with Xi – the then top official overseeing the city’s affairs – five years ago when Leung went to Beijing to receive his appointment letter. He met then president Hu Jintao, with Xi present, and also premier Wen Jiabao.
Lam, the former chief secretary who won the election with 777 votes, arrived in the capital on Sunday for a four-day visit to receive her formal appointment letter for the top job.
