China's President Xi Jinping has expressed full confidence in  embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam. China's state news agency Xinhua published pictures of the two leaders shaking hands, and  reported Xi Jinping had praised Carrie Lam for her efforts to quell clashes in the territory and expressed his full support at a meeting in Shanghai.<br />''<span style="color: #222222;"><br />''There were reports of Beijing planning to replace Ms Lam, after months of anti-government protests against an extradition bill put forward by her. She eventually withdrew the bill, but activists continued the protests, demanding an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality, and democratic reform.</span><br />