In Hong Kong, Chief Executive Carrie Lam today said that the 'one country, two systems' framework under which the city enjoys freedoms unknown in China could continue after a 2047 deadline if loyalty to Beijing is upheld. <br />'' <br />'' Ms Lam's comments at the Legislative Council appeared to be an appeal to those in Hong Kong who see Beijing as tightening its control over the semi-autonomous territory's civic, economic and political life.<br />'' <br />'' Hong Kong has been wracked by often violent anti-government protests since June last year.<br />'' <br />'' Hong Kong was handed over from British to Chinese rule in 1997 with a promise that it would maintain its own capitalist economy and Western-style institutions for 50 years.<br />''