Chen Zuoer, the deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, and State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan were the latest state leaders to give these messages to delegations from Hong Kong.

Mr Chen told a delegation of professionals - including Executive Councillor Leung Chun-ying - that the middle class and professionals should take part in politics, although democratisation should proceed gradually.

He also told representatives of women's groups from Hong Kong that political participation by the middle class could help stabilise Hong Kong.

The city should continue to develop democracy, but according to the Basic Law, Mr Chen said.

'Political development in Hong Kong should [occur] gradually and take into account the practical situations of the city,' he said.

Meanwhile, legislator Lo Wing-lok quoted Mr Tang, who oversees Hong Kong affairs, as telling the 60-strong professional delegation that proceeding with economic and political reforms in Hong Kong could provide momentum for its development, but maintaining stability was the basis for its progress.

Mr Tang said many middle-class citizens took to the streets on July 1 because of their grievances amid the economic downturn.

'[Mr Tang] said we should recognise that boosting Hong Kong's economy is the key to addressing the problems facing the city and helping ease the grievances of the middle class,' Dr Lo said.

'[He] explained that was why the central government was facilitating further co-operation between Hong Kong and Guangdong and offering incentives for the city under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement.'

City University professor Joseph Cheng Yu-shek said the central government would like middle-class people to take part in politics because they were moderates.

Political commentator Johnny Lau Yui-shiu said the middle class was a force for stability as it was relatively moderate and open to compromises with the government.

Dr Lo said Mr Tang also told them support from the mainland was not a panacea for reviving Hong Kong's economy, and the city's people had to step up efforts to boost the economy.

'He told us it was crucial to maintain stability in Hong Kong and uphold 'one country, two systems',' said Dr Lo, who heads the Hong Kong Medical Association.

Mr Tang also said the central government's support for Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa did not necessarily mean he was perfect.