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Ambrose Leung

Xi Jinping to inspect progress on hosting equestrian events
Vice-President Xi Jinping  would make his first visit to Hong Kong next month  since taking up his position in March, the government said yesterday.
Observers said the state leader's visit at a time of plunging government popularity would give Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen a chance to seek backing from the  central government.
It might also be an opportunity for pan-democrats and government-friendly parties, as well as tycoons, to seek communication with Beijing ahead of the Olympic Games.
During the three day-trip from July 6, Mr Xi would inspect progress Hong Kong had made in preparing to host the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events, the government said.
Mr Tsang said in a statement: 'In the run-up to the Olympic Games we are greatly honoured by the presence of our state leader to offer us encouragement and guidance on the preparatory work for the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events.
'On behalf of the people of Hong Kong and the SAR government, I extend our warmest welcome and deepest gratitude to him.'
The government said details of Mr Xi's visit were still being worked out with Beijing,  but he would 'receive reports from relevant parties' during the trip. Observers expect that in line with past practice for state leaders, Mr Xi will meet business, political and social leaders.
Pan-democrats have sent a letter to Mr Tsang, urging him to arrange a meeting between lawmakers and Mr Xi. Democratic Party chairman Albert Ho Chun-yan  said they would discuss the request at a Legco House Committee meeting next week.
The pan-democrats said if they met Mr Xi they would ask that the central government be more open to dissidents, and allow those in overseas exile to return to the mainland during the Beijing Olympics.
They said it would be an opportunity for state leaders to hear Hong Kong's desire for universal suffrage.
Both Tam Yiu-chung,  of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, and  Miriam Lau Kin-yee,  of the Liberal Party, said they hoped to discuss economic and social problems in Hong Kong with Mr Xi.
Chinese University political scientist Ivan Choy Chi-keung  said that in view of Mr Tsang's plummeting approval rating following the row over political appointees, Mr Xi's visit would be a boost for the Tsang administration's image.
'Donald Tsang should feel a lot of pressure in facing  the vice-president. But it appears that Mr Xi's visit will be an opportunity for him to improve connections with different people in Hong Kong after taking over the portfolio of the city's affairs,' he said.



Vice-president to make first HK trip since taking post