A senior pro-Beijing lawmaker told me she is “furious” that Lam has missed every single chance to defuse the crisis, and most in the pro-Beijing camp are aware it cannot resolve the crisis peacefully without meeting SOME of the 5 demands.
She also said her party believes there are “no political risks” involved for the #extraditionbill’s full withdrawal now.
According to a source in the centrist camp with close ties to the govt, Carrie Lam’s refusal to fully withdraw the #extraditionbill is merely a “face” problem
The “centrist” source said Carrie Lam’s gov’t has considered setting up an independent commission of inquiry, but is concerned that if they announce it in the middle of the crisis, @hkpoliceforce may lose morale as "violence" from protesters escalates.
@hkpoliceforce In total, three pro-Beijing / centrist sources told me they realise they need to meet with protesters mid-way.
PS - I got these from several "on background" discussions with three sources that I consider to be credible, but I am unable to independently verify their authenticity
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China’s military drills around Taiwan have raised questions about Taipei’s military preparedness. Experts say a recent announcement could be vital for Taiwan’s defense: the possible establishment of a contingency stockpile of US munitions on the island.
In March, Taiwan’s defense minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said Taipei has been in discussions with the US over a potential plan to set up a war reserve stock on the island — a provision in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, signed into law by US President Joe Biden last year.
And while Taiwan has long been a purchaser of weapons from the US, military experts say the creation of such a stockpile could be vital to Taiwan’s defense.
Unlike Ukraine, Taiwan has no land borders, so it would be difficult to supply additional weapons in a military conflict.
BREAKING: #HongKong Chief Executive Carrie Lam will be speaking at 10am at the Chief Executive Office.
A large group of journalists is now at the lobby of the Chief Executive Office, as Carrie Lam is expected to address the recent #HongKong protests in half an hour.
Carrie Lam blames “extreme violent protesters” for throwing bricks, petrol bombs, and defacing the national emblem.
No concession given, besides saying that @hkpoliceforce will hold a daily presser starting today