Pro-Taiwan groups are to seek seats on the Selection Committee.
The 123 Democratic Alliance, the Taiwan Business Association and academic group Hong Kong Chung Shan Research Institute are encouraging their members to put themselves forward.
Alliance vice-chairman Hopkins Chan Chi-ming said it was difficult to estimate the chances of their members being elected, given their right-wing background. 'It all depends on the Chinese side and the Preparatory Committee. The initiative is not on our side.' But Mr Chan said he was encouraged by the message of Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen in the closing speech of the fourth Preparatory Committee plenum. 'We will look positively at the message which suggests 'seeking broader consensus, accommodating minor difference',' he said.