Zhang ‘navigated fine line’ on CY’s performance
With only 10 months until the chief executive election, every remark about Leung made by Beijing’s third-highest official came under close scrutiny.
State leader Zhang Dejiang navigated a fine line when commenting on Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying’s performance during his three-day visit that ended on Thursday, observers said.
With only 10 months until the chief executive election, every remark about Leung made by Beijing’s third-highest official came under close scrutiny.
In some quarters, his words affirming Leung’s achievements in facilitating the city’s economic and social development sparked speculation that they equalled endorsement for him to run for a second term. But two leading mainland advisers on Hong Kong affairs cautioned against over interpreting Zhang’s remarks, saying they should not be seen as Beijing’s formal backing of Leung for another five years at the helm.
In a closed-door meeting with Leung and senior officials at government headquarters in Admiralty on Tuesday, Zhang reiterated that President Xi Jinping had already given his “full endorsement” to Leung during his annual duty visit to the capital last December.
The nation’s top legislator said the central government was satisfied with the work of the chief executive and the Hong Kong government.
