One month after taking the helm at the central government's liaison office in Hong Kong in late 2002, Gao Siren made an effort to dispel fears that he had been interfering in local affairs. The role of his office, he said, would be 'just like it was before'.
Mr Gao, formerly a senior Guangdong official, had been criticised for being too outspoken on internal issues such as property prices and the burning of the national flag by an activist.
His style appeared in sharp contrast to his predecessor Jiang Enzhu, a veteran diplomat known for his cautious and low-key style. Some analysts pointed out that the reshuffle was more than just a change of personality.
Two years on, there have been more signs of a different approach from the liaison office amid the political changes triggered by the July 1 marches. Following the setting up of a liaison department for community groups in November, a new department on police liaison has been inaugurated.
One vice-director, Zhou Junming, said that the new department for links with community groups would help collect the views of different sectors. 'This will help the liaison office fulfil the task given to it by the central government,' he said.
The new department on police liaison, he said, would further strengthen co-operation in specific cases. Mr Zhou stressed that the department has no affiliation with the police, but was aimed at boosting communication and research.
The setting up of the new departments is part of a major restructuring of the liaison office as Beijing attempts to tackle the fresh problems in the city and rebuild a united front with the professional and middle classes.