HK had its grimmest year since handover: Xi Jinping

Beijing: Hong Kong has faced its "grimmest and most complex year since the former British colony was returned to China, President Xi Jinping said Monday, before reiterating his support for the semi-autonomous city's leader.

Xi praised Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam for holding fast to the principle of one country, two systems, and for courage during an extraordinary period for Hong Kong.

Lam met with Xi and Premier Li Keqiang during her first visit to Beijing since pro-democracy candidates swept local Hong Kong elections last month in a rebuke of how her administration has handled months of fiery anti-government protests.

In the past year, our politics, economy and society have really faced big problems," Lam said in her meeting with Li.

Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 under a one country, two systems framework which promises the city more democratic rights than are allowed on the mainland.

In recent years, however, the arrests of booksellers and activists have stoked fears of a growing encroachment by the ruling Communist Party.

The mass demonstrations began in June in response to proposed legislation that would have allowed Hong Kong residents to be tried for crimes in mainland China. While Lam has since withdrawn the bill, protesters have continued calling for broader democratic reforms and an independent inquiry into accusations of police brutality. Some protesters have increasingly resorted to violence.

A lull in clashes ended Sunday evening when protesters threw bricks at police officers, who in turn fired tear gas. According to the authorities, the rioters also set fires, blocked roads and smashed traffic lights with hammers.