Handshakes speak volumes as Xi Jinping and top state leaders welcome CY Leung to new role

Chinese president’s words difficult to make out during minute-long chat with chief executive, but message of support was unmistakeable

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Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying (centre) shakes hands with Premier Li Keqiang. Photo: Simon Song

Jun Maiin Beijing,Joyce Ngin Hong KongandKimmy Chungin Hong Kong

Published: 4:45pm, 13 Mar 2017Updated: 6:39pm, 13 Mar 2017

Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying was showered with support by state leaders, including a handshake and minute-long chat with President Xi Jinping, as he was elected a vice-chairman of Beijing’s top political advisory body on Monday.

Leung also shook hands with the remaining six of Xi’s Politburo Standing Committee members.

After receiving a landslide vote backing a motion to appoint Leung as vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the Hong Kong chief executive took to the stage and took a seat at the far end of the front row as a round of applause rang out in the Great Hall of the People.

Tight-lipped and looking tense, Leung bowed to the audience, then turned and bowed to the state leaders and the standing committee of the CPPCC.

Plenum staff approached him immediately after CPPCC chairman Yu Zhengsheng, a Politburo Standing Committee member, announced the closing of the plenum. Leung was then led to the main aisle to await Xi on his way out.

The president strode up to Leung and shook his hand, doing most of the talking in a conversation that lasted for more than a minute.

Watch: Xi Jinping and Leung Chun-ying shake hands