Report: Beijing Is Considering Replacing Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam By March

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam

CNBC: Beijing reportedly developing plan to replace Hong Kong’s leader by March

* Beijing is considering replacing Hong Kong’s controversial chief executive, Carrie Lam, by March, the Financial Times reports.
* The newspaper quotes people familiar with the deliberations and says there are two leading candidates for the post.
* Chinese leadership would like the situation to stabilize so it is not seen as giving in to protesters when it replaces Lam, the Financial Times says.

The Chinese government is developing a plan to replace Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam with a possible successor who could be installed by March, reports the Financial Times, quoting sources.

The newspaper quoted “people briefed on the deliberations,” who said if Xi Jinping, China’s president, moves forward on replacing Lam, her successor would remain in place until the end of her term in 2022, and not necessarily stay on for a full five-year term afterwards.

The sources said the leading candidates to replace Lam are Norman Chan, who formerly headed the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Henry Tang, who has been financial secretary of the territory and chief secretary for administration. Tang is the son of a textile magnate.

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WNU Editor: Why wait to March?