Beijing - China has refuted a report that the government is
drawing up a plan to replace Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, calling it
"a political rumour with ulterior motives."
The Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing anonymous sources,
that Chinese leadership wanted to appoint an "interim" chief
executive for Hong Kong due to massive anti-government protests that
have marred Lam's mandate.
According to the paper, if President Xi Jinping approved the plan,
the new leader would be appointed before China's annual parliamentary
session in March.
Possible candidates for the job included Norman Chan, former head of
the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Henry Tang, son of a textile
tycoon who has served in previous administrations, according to the
paper.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Wednesday the
report was a "rumour with ulterior motives" and that Lam continued to
have Beijing's support.
"The central government will firmly support Chief Executive Carrie
Lam and the [Hong Kong] government in ruling according to the law and
stopping the riots and restoring order as soon as possible," Hua
said.
Hong Kong has been rocked since June by anti-government protests
sparked by a proposed bill that would have allowed for criminal
suspects' extradition to China.
Since then, protesters' demands have evolved to include requests for
greater democracy, while clashes with police have intensified.
The Financial Times reported in July that Lam had offered to resign,
but Beijing had refused.
Candidates for the Hong Kong chief executive position are
pre-approved by the central government in Beijing.