Top China official vows to ‘listen’ to Hong Kong

Hong Kong / AFP

One of China’s most powerful officials said he would listen to political demands from Hongkongers in a conciliatory start to a visit on Tuesday that has stirred anger in a city resentful of Beijing’s tightening grip.
The three-day trip by Zhang Dejiang, who chairs China’s communist-controlled legislature, is the first by such a senior official in four years and comes as concerns grow in semi-autonomous Hong Kong that its long-cherished freedoms are under threat.
While Zhang is ostensibly visiting to speak at an economic conference on Wednesday, the trip is widely seen as a bid to take the temperature in an increasingly divided city with a fledgling independence movement.
It has infuriated opponents, critical of a massive security operation that involves thousands of police and barricades protesters into designated areas out of Zhang’s sight.
Police shoved back protesters gathered near the residence of the city’s leader Tuesday night where Zhang was due to have dinner. Seven members of pro-democracy political party the League of Social Democrats were arrested earlier after putting up protest banners, with three still detained.
A leading pro-democracy activist was also wrestled to the ground by police outside Zhang’s hotel.
Wednesday will see several protest groups rally near the harbourfront convention centre where Zhang is due to speak.
Zhang arrived just before noon at Hong Kong airport where he was met by city leader Leung Chun-ying and a brass band. In a short speech on the tarmac Zhang pledged to listen to a variety of political views.
“(I will listen to) people from all walks of life about any suggestions and demands regarding the implementation of ‘one country two systems’,” said Zhang, referring to the semi-autonomous system under which Hong Kong is governed since being handed back to China by Britain in 1997.
He also said he would listen to “any suggestions and requests regarding the nation and Hong Kong’s development”. Zhang declared he had brought a “caring heart” as well as “hearty greetings and good wishes” from China’s President Xi Jinping.
At a meeting with lawmakers later Tuesday, Zhang said Beijing was satisfied with the work of the Hong Kong government.
“I feel that the future is bright for Hong Kong,” Zhang added.