Officials and protesters should put aside their differences and talk

Regrettably, dialogue between the government and student protesters yesterday was called off at the eleventh hour. Announcing the decision to shelve the meeting, Chief Secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said the basis for discussion had been damaged, partly because the students were inciting more people to occupy the streets. The students immediately hit back, saying the government was never sincere about the meeting. Whether they will meet at all remains unclear. What is certain, though, is that it has dashed the hopes of an early way out of the political impasse. Worse, it may prompt more people to return to the streets this weekend.

The war of words does little to ease the tension. In times of political trouble, what we need is engagement rather than finger-pointing. Unfortunately, officials and students were already at odds when preparing for the talks. Their differences included the choice of venue and the issues up for discussion. While both sides understandably have their own positions, it does not help if these become preconditions to talks.

The dialogue would probably not have yielded an immediate breakthrough. But the protests have entered the 13th day and people's patience is being tested. If both sides are seen as making efforts to break the deadlock, it will at least take the heat off. Unfortunately, the opportunity was missed.

The students are still counting on the support of the crowds to advance their cause. That is why they announced a new round of their non-cooperation campaign and appealed for reinforcements in the hope of strengthening their bargaining power. But from the government's point of view, they are nothing more than gestures that spoil the atmosphere for constructive dialogue. More importantly, the students insist the National People's Congress Standing Committee withdraw its decision on the electoral framework, which, to the government, is asking for the impossible.

Beijing will not revoke its decision. If the students continue to make it the focus of the talks, the government will find it difficult to accommodate. That said, it does not mean officials should turn their back on the students. True, people's support and tolerance are waning as disruptions to daily life are increasingly felt. But the government would be wrong to assume that public opinion is on its side and therefore nothing needs to be done. Both sides should put aside their preconditions and try to seek an early way out.