Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen and Chief Secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen are likely to meet Vice-President Xi Jinping today during a three-day trip to Sichuan to witness the destruction in the earthquake zone.
Mr Xi, who is scheduled to visit Hong Kong from July 6 to 8, will visit quake-hit areas today, as Mr Tsang and Mr Tang start their visit.
A source said a meeting with Mr Xi was not included in the chief executive's schedule, 'but it would not be surprising if there is such a meeting'. A meeting with Mr Xi, if confirmed, would mark the first time in recent years that the chief executive and the chief secretary have met a state leader together on the mainland.
Mr Tsang is expected to discuss with Mr Xi how Hong Kong can participate in rebuilding the quake zone.
Mr Tang was named on Thursday as head of the steering committee on Hong Kong's support for reconstruction in the Sichuan earthquake-stricken areas.
The meeting with Mr Xi, if it takes place, will come as the chief executive is battling flagging popularity. A recent university opinion poll showed his approval rating at 51 per cent, the lowest since Mr Tsang took over from Tung Chee-hwa in June 2005.