Carrie Lam Hails CCP For 'great Leadership Skills'

Chief Executive Carrie Lam has hailed the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for showing “great leadership skills” in combating the Covid-19 pandemic, saying China is the first major economy in the world to rein in the spread of the virus.

Speaking at a forum to mark the party’s 100th anniversary, Lam said it is evident that the country responded very quickly to the outbreak and was able to mobilise a great deal of manpower to build temporary hospitals to treat patients.

She added that China had developed vaccines not only for its own people, but also supplied the jabs to other developing countries.

"In the face of this unprecedented challenge, the Communist Party of China has shown great leadership and determination and taken resolute actions to combat the pandemic. The results are there for all to see," she said.

"History has told us that the CCP has been able to lead the country to overcome difficulties and challenges, bring prosperity to the country and improve people's livelihood. As our country continues to make strides towards the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation, there will be more challenges in the future, but they, too, will be overwhelmingly met, managed and surmounted by the Communist Party of China, and the people of China."

The Chief Executive also noted that Hong Kong had "benefited hugely" from the country’s development.

She cited the 1997 financial crisis, the SARS epidemic in 2003 and the Covid-19 pandemic as examples, saying the mainland had provided the SAR with support and assistance whenever the city needed help.

Lam added that Hong Kong has also been incorporated in China’s major policy initiatives, such as the Belt and Road programme, the Greater Bay Area development blueprint as well as the country’s 14th Five Year Plan – showing the country’s deep care for the SAR.

Following the central government and CCP's decision to introduce the national security law and implement electoral reforms in Hong Kong, the CE said the city will only become even more stable and prosperous going forward.