Embattled Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam will be one of approximately 400 foreign VIPs to attend Emperor Naruhito's enthronement ceremony in Tokyo on Tuesday, in a visit that could prompt criticism of Japan amid ongoing pro-democracy protests and a harsh crackdown by Beijing in the Chinese city.
Lam was set to leave Monday for Tokyo to attend the enthronement ceremonies and will return Tuesday evening, the Hong Kong government said in a statement. It was not immediately clear if Lam had been on the initial guest list, which includes Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan, who will represent his country, or if Lam will be part of Wang's delegation.
Reaction was immediate Sunday, with a Change.org petition urging authorities to revoke Lam's invitation backed by more than 70,000 people as of Tuesday morning.