Beijing sends a `friend' to placate an irate Hong Kong

Beijing dispatched a senior Communist Party figure to Hong Kong yesterday in a bid to smooth out tensions that have been growing since China told the territory it can't quickly implement full democracy.

Critics charged that Liu Yandong's (劉延東) visit would only deepen divisions in society if her charm offensive comes off as cynical politicking.

After presiding over the ceremonial display of one of Buddha's fingers, Liu said she was reaching out as a "friend" to all segments of Hong Kong.

"Keeping on good terms with others who hold different opinions is the essence of the Chinese nation," Liu said.

But she avoided the touchy topic of democratic reforms by holding firmly to Beijing's line that talks with Hong Kong people should be related to "achieving the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong."

Beijing angered many residents of the territory last month by ruling out direct elections for Hong Kong's next leader in 2007 and all lawmakers in 2008, claiming that universal suffrage could bring social and economic instability.

Pro-democratic politicians were skeptical of Liu's motives.

"She is not trying to befriend anyone," said legislator Andrew Cheng (鄭家富) of Hong Kong's opposition Democratic Party. "Beijing is hoping to unite its allies in an attempt to repel its enemies."

Liu appeared with Hong Kong's unpopular leader, Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa (董建華), as one of Buddha's fingers, which was flown in from China on Tuesday, was put on temporary display in its bulletproof glass box.

The holy relic is revered by many of Hong Kong's Buddhists, who were celebrating Buddha's birthday yesterday, but critics called Beijing's decision to bring it here for 10 days a blatantly political gesture.

Liu was set later to meet with various representatives of the Hong Kong community, which has been simmering with political anger since China's top legislative panel ruled out full democracy in the near term for Hong Kong.

Liu heads the Chinese Communist Party's United Front Work Department, which seeks to build ties between her party and various elements of Chinese society.

Her visit was seen by many observers as a move to lessen public discontent as Hong Kong prepares for elections in September that will let ordinary voters choose 30 of the 60 Legislative Council seats.

The rest are chosen by special interest groups such as business leaders.

Although Liu was making conciliatory gestures, such as a dinner planned for last night that was to include the head of Hong Kong's Roman Catholic Church as well as Muslim, Protestant and Buddhist leaders, critics cautioned it would take more to win the hearts of Hong Kong's people.

"What Liu could create may be a better atmosphere for discussion, but that won't change the public's attitude toward Beijing if it still refuses to consider their views and make real changes," said political scientist Chan Kin-man (陳健民), who teaches at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.