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Tony Cheung

Hong Kong’s pan-democrats should respond to the olive branch extended by state leader Zhang Dejiang in his three-day visit to the city last week with “goodwill and sincerity”, a commentator of the Communist Party’s mouthpiece wrote on Thursday.
In an article in the overseas edition of People’s Daily, Wang Yao also said Zhang had made it clear that it was unlawful to advocate Hong Kong independence. The stance should be seen as “ringing an alarm bell for troublemakers in Hong Kong”, Wang wrote.
Wang was referring to National People’s Congress chairman Zhang’s visit from May 17 to 19, during which he held a groundbreaking meeting with 10 lawmakers, including four from the pan-democratic camp.
Zhang Dejiang: ‘One country, two systems’ is here to stay
“The central government showed its sincerity and goodwill. Now if those in the Hong Kong opposition camp would like to talk to Beijing and reflect their views, they should demonstrate sincerity and goodwill too,” Wang wrote.
“Firstly, they should maintain a calm and rational attitude, be articulate, and not assume that [Beijing officials] are not friendly.”
Wang also said Beijing had been “firm on its baselines and principles”, especially on Hong Kong radicals’ advocacy for independence.
“A tiny minority in Hong Kong has been engaging in separatism, in the name of being localists ... This is unlawful and would bring calamity to Hong Kong,” he warned.
As Zhang concluded his visit in the city on Thursday last week, a commentary in the overseas edition of People’s Daily said the visit would prompt Hong Kong to think of how to leave divisions behind and forge consensus.
Zhang Dejiang’s Hong Kong visit: The search for clues on the city’s next chief executive race
Veteran China-watcher Johnny Lau Yui-siu said the commentaries were “not too meaningful unless actual plans are finalised for the pan-democrats”.
“[Wang’s] article reflected some of Beijing’s views ... but the pan-democrats can see that the central government is still very much on guard when it comes to interacting with them,” he said.
Lau suggested that instead of writing more articles, it would be much more helpful to let pan-democrats visit the mainland. The Post understood that authorities across the border were working on a short trip to Shenzhen for Hong Kong lawmakers, but details had yet to be finalised.


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Hong Kong’s pan-democrats urged to respond with sincerity to state leader’s olive branch  

Zhang Dejiang (left) with Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying in Hong Kong. Photo: SCMP Pictures

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Hong Kong

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People’s Daily commentary calls for goodwill after historic meeting between Zhang Dejiang and lawmakers
