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Hong Kong Lawmakers Embark on Ice-Breaking Trip to Mainland China

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Hong Kong lawmakers have begun an unprecedented two-day trip to mainland China, marking the first time in 16 years that the city's democratically elected leaders have set foot on the mainland. The trip, which includes meetings with senior provincial leaders, is aimed at fostering communication and knowledge-sharing between Hong Kong and mainland officials. Despite initial concerns about the trip's purpose and potential for controversy, the majority of lawmakers have signed up for the visit, with some expressing eagerness to observe the changes in Guangzhou's way of life.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hong Kong lawmakers, led by Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, are on a two-day trip to Shenzhen and Dongguan, accompanied by government minders and journalists.
  • The trip marks the first time in 16 years that Hong Kong democratically elected leaders have set foot on the mainland.
  • Lawmakers will meet with Guangdong Communist Party Secretary Zhang Dejiang, Guangdong Governor Huang Huahua, and visit universities, factories, and tourist sights.
  • Despite initial concerns, 60 lawmakers, except the Liberal Party's Miriam Lau Kin-yee, have signed up for the trip.
  • Financial services lawmaker Chim Pui-chung initially declined to join the trip but later changed his mind after consulting with legal experts.
  • Legco President Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai emphasized the importance of fostering communication links between Hong Kong lawmakers and mainland officials.
  • Lawmakers are expected to observe the changes in Guangzhou's way of life and potentially raise key issues, including Beijing's verdict on the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.

Statistics:

  • 60 lawmakers, except Miriam Lau Kin-yee, have signed up for the two-day trip to Shenzhen and Dongguan.
  • The group is accompanied by 30 government minders and more than 100 journalists.
  • The trip marks the first time Hong Kong democratically elected leaders have set foot on the mainland in 16 years.
  • The majority of lawmakers, 60 out of 61, have accepted the "invitation" to join the trip.

Sources:

  • The South China Morning Post
  • The Beijing Review
  • The Hong Kong Government Information Centre

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