China's new top official in Hong Kong said he is certain the city will stabilize following months of political unrest, backing leader Carrie Lam and her administration in his first public comments since being appointed.
"I am fully confident about this," Luo Huining, the new director of the Hong Kong Liaison Office, said at a media briefing Monday. "Everyone fervently hopes that Hong Kong can get back on track. As President Xi Jinping said in his New Year's address, without a harmonious and stable environment, how could there be a peaceful home? I sincerely wish Hong Kong and Hong Kongers well."
The installation of Luo, a Communist Party stalwart known for faithfully executing Xi's anti-corruption campaign, signals Beijing's intention to restore law and order after nearly seven months of political unrest. He takes over from Wang Zhimin, the Chinese government said in a Saturday statement that didn't elaborate about the move.