Hong Kong leader Lam does not rule out Beijing help, as economy suffers

Some students from La Salle College wear masks, which have been banned at protests under emergency powers, as they walk to school in Hong Kong, China, October 8, 2019. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday did not rule out asking Beijing for help, as the Asian financial hub struggles to deal with months of often violent anti-government protests that are damaging its economy.

Lam said Beijing wanted Hong Kong to solve its own problems, but under its mini-constitution, known as the Basic Law, Hong Kong could ask Beijing for help.