Hong Kong leader says China to offer economic support to embattled city

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Monday she had briefed China's leader Xi Jinping on the city's protests, and said China would continue to support and offer favourable economic policies for the financial hub.

Speaking in Beijing after a closed-door meeting with Xi, Lam said she believed the level of violence embroiling the city and the number of "rioters" were decreasing.

Xi earlier told reporters that he recognised Lam's courage in governing in these "most difficult" times. Lam said she was encouraged by the president's recognition of such efforts.

(Reporting by Noah Sin, Donny Kwok, Twinnie Siu; Writing by James Pomfret;Editing by Catherine Evans)