Mainland dignitaries, probably including President Jiang Zemin and premier Li Peng, plan to steer clear of handover protests by crossing the harbour from Hunghom to the new ferry pier at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Marine Police said yesterday they were establishing an exclusion zone off Hunghom waterfront between June 29 and July 2 as part of security arrangements for Chinese officials who will use a ferry, possibly from a temporary pier outside the new Harbour Plaza Hotel, to get to the venue for the handover and swearing-in ceremonies.
It has yet to be confirmed whether Mr Jiang and Mr Li will be among those who will make the short diagonal trip across the harbour, completely avoiding permitted 'protest zones' in Wan Chai.
The exclusion zone borders the Harbour Plaza's waterfront, but it is not known whether any of the mainland delegates plan to stay there.
The hotel is owned by tycoon Li Ka-shing, an adviser to Beijing on Hong Kong affairs and a former Preparatory Committee member.
Marine Police Superintendent Kong Sai-cheong said: 'We have been asked by police headquarters to set up a marine exclusion zone at Hunghom to provide security for international protected people who will board vessels going to the Convention and Exhibition Centre.' The people involved were all from China, Mr Kong explained.
