Hong Kong pan-democrats cast doubt on Xi’s softer approach to talks with political opponents

Hong Kong’s opposition lawmakers remain sceptical over the possibility of building a healthy relationship with Beijing after President Xi Jinping said the central government was ready to talk to anyone regardless of their political views.

While upholding his firm stance over national security, Xi adopted a softer approach at the end of his speech in Hong Kong after swearing in Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and her cabinet. He hinted a dialogue with pan-democrats was possible as long as they “love the country and Hong Kong”.