China's Xi gives Hong Kong leader his full support

Hong Kong Carrie Lam speaking at a news conference at the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government office in Beijing, China on Monday (Dec 16). - Reuters

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping told beleaguered Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Monday (Dec 16) that she had Beijing's "unwavering support" after another huge pro-democracy rally earlier this month and her government's thrashing at recent local elections.

The city has been upended by six months of massive pro-democracy protests that have seen violent battles between police and hardcore demonstrators, as well as regular transport disruption.