Zhang Dejiang’s visit to Hong Kong a reminder of what really matters
Holden Chow says the state leader’s trip marked a fresh start in ties with pan-democrats, while also affirming the importance of ‘one country, two systems’
National People’s Congress chairman Zhang Dejiang (張德江) said he was prepared to “see, listen and speak” during his visit to Hong Kong. That seemed true with his apparent olive branch to the pan-democrats, inviting some to a cocktail reception followed by a banquet. Clearly, he was prepared to listen to people holding differing views.
Pan-democrats might have complained about the lack of time to express their demands during the reception (they chose not to attend the banquet), but this remarkable meeting nevertheless marked a good start for future communication between Beijing and the pan-democrats.
Hong Kong pan-democrats say Zhang Dejiang agreed to more direct talks
This time, it seemed, they had no intention of embarrassing a state leader. On many occasions in the past, pan-democrat legislators either turned down invitations or chose to behave badly at an event by, for example, distributing leaflets with the intention to cause embarrassment.
This time was different; even the pan-democrat representatives seemed quite satisfied with the meeting. If there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel to restore the relationship between the two sides, we can hope to see dialogue and meetings become a regular occurrence in the years to come.
‘Ball is in Beijing’s court’, Hong Kong pan-democrats say after meeting with Zhang Dejiang
Zhang Dejiang: ‘One country, two systems’ is here to stay
