Loh misses out as visa expires

Independent legislator Christine Loh Kung-wai's visa to visit China has expired before she has had a chance to go to Beijing.

Ms Loh confirmed yesterday that her three-month visa ran out last month. Xinhua (the New China News Agency) had still not made any arrangements for a trip.

Last month Ms Loh announced her plans to visit Beijing and seek a dialogue with Chinese officials.

She rejected suggestions the move might indicate a U-turn, saying it was just a different way to open a dialogue.

After obtaining the visa, she had a preliminary meeting with Xinhua officials early last month.

Last night she declined to comment on her chances of making a visit or Chinese officials' sincerity about giving her a timetable.