Hong Kong leader says she never discussed resigning with Beijing

FILE PHOTO: Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam speaks during a news conference in Hong Kong, China, August 20, 2019. REUTERS/Ann Wang

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday she had never asked the Chinese government to let her resign to end the Chinese-ruled city's political crisis, responding to a Reuters report about a recording of her saying she would step down if she could.

China for its part expressed confidence in Lam and her government but said it would not sit idly by if the unrest threatened Chinese security and sovereignty.