Chief Executive Carrie Lam's deafening silence in recent months may be a sign that she is paving the way to get out of this ballooning political crisis for both herself and Hong Kong, some observers believe, adding that she is working behind the scenes to ease tensions.

The anti-extradition Bill protests, which started in March, are into their eighth straight week and turning increasingly violent, with protesters clashing with police. Mrs Lam has made about seven related public appearances. Of these, most were of her condemning the radical protesters.