Xi Unhappy With Lame-duck Lam, Says Analyst

A China analyst says President Xi Jinping is obviously "tremendously unhappy" with the performance of the Chief Executive Carrie Lam, following weeks of protests sparked by her efforts to amend extradition laws.

Protesters have dropped demands for Lam to resign, saying it's more important she withdraw her extradition bill and set up an independent inquiry into police action during violent clashes outside Legco almost two weeks ago.

Professor Willy Lam says Beijing is unlikely to remove Lam, but the power vacuum created by her ineffectual government could encourage more mainland interference.

"I think she has has become a lame duck, and the lame duck administration could go on even for the rest of her three-year term," he said.

"But this is very bad for Hong Kong, because Hong Kong at this stage requires a very dynamic leader to pull us through the political crisis and also to face immense economic and social challenges.

"This power vacuum is particularly bad because the Communist Party of Hong Kong, which is represented by the central liaison office, may take advantage of the power vacuum to step in to assume more power and initiative."