Promotion would be part of carefully planned moves
It should not come as a surprise that Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa is in line for a top role in the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). But the timing is very curious and has set tongues wagging over the political implications for Hong Kong and Mr Tung's future role.
A vice-chairmanship of the CPPCC, a position equivalent to that of a state leader, is largely a ceremonial role and is normally given to retired officials, leaders of the so-called democratic parties, and people deemed to have made outstanding contributions to the country.
Since Mr Tung is the first chief executive of the first special administrative region, he is guaranteed the status of a state leader.
Some Hong Kong analysts have speculated that the move to make Mr Tung a vice-chairman, which comes more than two years before his retirement, indicates that he will take a back seat.
Pro-Beijing pundits see it as an attempt on the part of Beijing to boost Mr Tung's authority.
