Although Beijing made a commitment in 2014 to enable Hong Kong to elect its leaders freely, there are many provisions that maintain strict limitations. (Photo : Getty Images)
Zhang Deijang, China's top number three man, commented on the upcoming Hong Kong elections and said that Beijing had every right to interfere in the region's elections.
The comments came after top Chinese officials tried to dispel rumors that they were supporting Carrie Lam's campaign. However, the elections will be voted by 1,200 electoral candidates who are mostly pro-Beijing.
Carrie Lam is fighting for the top seat in Hong Kong and is running against a former government official and a retired judge.
According to Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the National People's Congress, the next chief executive should bridge Hong Kong and Beijing, and that Beijing is not fueling Lam's campaign.
However, Zhang said that Beijing will intervene because it is the mainland's task to do so.
The convenor of the NPC, Maria Tam, quoted Zhang as saying that the lead spot in Hong Kong "is a very important role, so the central government has the right to step in."
Beijing predicts that Shenzhen will actually be ahead of Hong Kong in two years because previous administrations focused too much on politicking and not development.
Zhang said, "It is quite possible that Shenzhen can overtake Hong Kong in two years."
The parliament leader also stressed that the next leader of Hong Kong should be extraordinary and have trust from Beijing.
Rita Lam, former head of the legislature, said that Beijing has every right to express their opinions. She said, "As a stakeholder, the central government has a right to express its views, and it hopes people can take its opinions into consideration."
Carrie Lam also denied allegations of getting help from Beijing's liaison and said that any support from the mainland will destroy the campaign.
She said, "If you ask them publicly, you are falling into the trap that you agree that they're interfering. I don't know how they are interfering, what did they say, how did they ask for votes. I just don't know."
She didn't comment on whether she asked for help privately.
