Was China's U-turn over an invitation for the Professional Teachers' Union (PTU) to take part in the Preparatory Committee's consultations in Hong Kong a miscalculation or a deliberate attempt to divide the organisation? The twists and turns in Beijing's tolerance surprised many - not because of mainland officials' sudden change of heart in withdrawing the invitation but because of the rather exceptional gesture by China in extending it in the first place.
Given the unswerving hostility to prominent pro-democracy activists Szeto Wah and Cheung Man-kwong - also veteran leaders of the teachers' union - it was easy to be sceptical over Chinese officials' new, lenient attitude in including the PTU in the PC's consultation list.
But they did - at least for a few days before they changed their minds.
Originally, some decision-makers in Beijing were lobbied hard by moderates in Hong Kong to allow dialogue between China and the democratic voice in Hong Kong. It would only be in the best interest of China and the future Special Administrative Region (SAR), the argument went.
But surely, those rationalists in Beijing persuaded to allow the invitation were not just convinced on the grounds that there was a need for communication.
Nor is it exactly accurate to say that they were betting that Mr Szeto and his union would not accept the invitation, making it worth the risk, and boosting their PR image.