Hong Kong’s embattled leader Carrie Lam said she has never offered to resign to end the city's political crisis.
This comes a day after a leaked audio recording revealed her saying she would like to step down if she had a "choice".
In a televised news conference on Tuesday, Lam said Beijing believed her government could solve the three-months long crisis without mainland China's intervention.
"I have not even contemplated discussing a resignation to the central people's government. The choice of resigning, it's my own choice," she asserted.
"I told myself repeatedly in the last three months that I and my team should stay on to help Hong Kong ... That's why I said that I have not given myself the choice to take an easier path and that is to leave."
Lam added that she was disappointed that comments made in a private meeting had been leaked.
Australia toughens kids' social media ban
Strong earthquake hits Hindu Kush, shaking Afghanistan and Pakistan
Serbian President Vucic says he will resign within weeks
Death toll in Venezuela quake tops 1,400 as rescue efforts intensify
Authorities investigate light aircraft crash into Beijing skyscraper
