Beijing-loyal DAB admits ties to US group at heart of 'external forces' Occupy debate

Beijing loyalists have been eager to accuse leaders of the Occupy movement of allying with "external forces" - but one American group often linked to the protests has, in fact, been working with the city's leading pro-establishment party.

The US-based National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) confirmed that, over the past decade, members of Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong had joined its events.

"NDI has conducted numerous consultations and workshops for political parties in Hong Kong," it said. "Representatives from the DAB have participated."

The workshops, for candidates and party members, covered topics such as campaigning, media relations, public speaking and voter outreach.

NDI, which is often named when pro-Beijing politicians and media accuse foreign powers of pulling Occupy's strings, has had an office in the city for 17 years. It says it has no relations with the protests and its only activity in the past year has been funding a "neutral" website on democracy.

NDI is funded by the US Congress via the National Endowment for Democracy, which also provides funds to Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor and Solidarity Centre, a Washington-based body that gave grants to the pan-democratic Confederation of Trade Unions.