'Beijing Help Not Ruled Out If Situation Worsens'

Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that her government has no plans to seek Beijing's help to control the situation in Hong Kong, but said "that option can't be ruled out".

Speaking before the Executive Council meeting, the Chief Executive said the central government still thinks Hong Kong can handle the current turmoil.

"At this point in time, I still strongly feel that we should find the solutions ourselves. It is also the position of the central government [in Beijing] that Hong Kong should tackle the problem on her own.

"But if the situation becomes so bad, then no options can be ruled out if we want Hong Kong to at least have another chance."

Lam said the government would make a "careful assessment" before imposing other measures under the law, such as internet controls.

The CE did not comment on reports that her administration would impose some curbs on the internet using the emergency ordinance, with the leaderless protest movement using chatrooms to organise much of their action.