China's new leadership is lending its support to Hong Kong's chief executive, who is under fire for a series of scandals.
Chinese Communist party Chief Xi Jinping met Thursday with Leung Chun-ying in Beijing, and praised the work being done by Leung's administration.
Leung's opponents are now calling for his impeachment following revelations that he had tried to cover-up illegal construction at his home. Earlier this year he also survived a no-confidence vote.
Building violations by top politicians have become a sore spot for many in crowded Hong Kong, where living space is at a premium.
The pro-China Leung had criticized his rival in this year's election over similar allegations.
After the meeting, China's Xi also said that Beijing's "one country, two systems" policy toward Hong Kong would not change.