Conflicting, intriguing messages ahead of Zhang ‘inspection’ trip

By Chris Yeung

Conflicting signals and intriguing political acts of Hong Kong’s top three officials have emerged on the eve of the “inspection” trip of NPC chairman Zhang Dejiang, the country’s Number Three, to the city on Tuesday.

Although there are clear signs that Zhang is likely to avoid hard-hitting bashing on the hyper-sensitive issue of Hong Kong independence, his three-day visit will be hardly held in a soft and relaxed mood. The opposite is true. Police will mobilise thousands of officers armed with counter-terrorism, anti-riot equipments to make sure the visit is trouble-free.

A source familiar with the visit said Zhang is keen to convey a positive message to the city in view of the negative air prevalent among the people. He is likely to maintain the moderate tone of officials on Hong Kong issues adopted during the “two sessions,” naming National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in early March.