Premier of Chinese State Council Li Keqiang expressed support for Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam as they met in Beijing on Monday, three weeks after the latter suffered a major blow in Hong Kong's district council elections.

Li told Lam that the Chinese government would "as always, firmly implement the principle of one country, two systems. We will continue to firmly support you and the SAR government in governing Hong Kong in accordance with the law."

Li also commented on Hong Kong's economy, saying it "obviously declined." "You have also taken a series of measures to protect enterprises and stabilise employment. These are in the face of difficulties. It's not easy," he told Lam.

Hong Kong's politicial, economic and social situation over the last year has been "grim," Lam said. "There has been a significant decline in the economy since the first half of the year, mainly due to external factors including trade friction between China and the United State."

Hong Kong has been rocked by protests sparked by the now-withdrawn extradition bill since March, with protesters accusing police of alleged brutality while handling the protests.