Carrie Lam defends the policy of 'patriots governing Hong Kong'

Chief Executive ofChina's Hong KongSpecial Administrative Region (HKSAR) CarrieLam on Tuesday defended the policy of "patriots governing Hong Kong," saying it was substantial to sustaining the principle of "One Country, Two Systems."

Lam made the comments at a regular press conference, in response to a reporter's question concerning remarks made by Xia Baolong, the head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, a day earlier.

Xia on Monday said the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong" must be upheld to ensure the steady and sustained implementation of "One Country, Two Systems."

"It was crystal clear we have reached a stage where the central government has to take action," Lam told reporters. "To stop the situation from deteriorating to a point that 'One Country, Two Systems' could hardly be carried out, the problems need to be addressed at a central government level."