State leader comes bearing gifts

Wu Bangguo on charm offensive among the locals before protesters heat up his welcome at banquet

National People's Congress chairman Wu Bangguo entered the Christmas spirit during his first day in Hong Kong by giving a computer to a family and 1,000 books to a youth college near Sham Shui Po.

But he was also greeted by protesters demanding more, including help for the release of jailed Hong Kong journalist Ching Cheong, family reunions for right-of-abode seekers and a quicker pace for democratic reform.

Mr Wu arrived at noon and had lunch with Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen. Saying he wanted to 'experience the changes of Hong Kong', he met about 100 students studying at the Vocational Training Centre's Youth College campus in So Uk.

With Mr Tsang acting as his interpreter, Mr Wu visited four classes at the college and looked at how students created animation, danced and learned haircutting and makeup skills. Then he donated about 1,000 books and CDs - mainly on Chinese history and culture - to the school's library.

The college's headmaster, Raymond Pang Chin-tung, said Mr Wu was friendly to the students - even though their Putonghua was not very fluent. 'He chatted with some of our students and encouraged one who has been learning how to cut hair, saying that if he went on learning with diligence, he would become a master in the profession,' Mr Pang said.