Source:
https://scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1387152/chief-executives-duty-visit-beijing-now-tougher-assignment
Comment/ Opinion

Chief executive's duty visit to Beijing now a tougher assignment

Leung Chun-ying meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) in Beijing. Photo: Xinhua

The chief executive's duty visit to Beijing, once a routine without substance, has become a closely watched affair in recent years. From protocol arrangements to state officials' rhetoric, the local media scrutinises every detail to gauge Beijing's views about the leader's performance, as well as its expectations for the city's development. That a courtesy call has escalated into a highlight of the year speaks volumes about the changing political landscape.

Two messages stand out from this week's trip. First, Leung Chun-ying, despite flagging popularity, still enjoys the central government's support. But he is expected to give a better account of his achievements and inadequacies in what is said to be a move to formalise duty visits in the future. Second, political reform should be discussed in a pragmatic way, based on the Basic Law and decisions made by the National People's Congress Standing Committee in 2007.