On the surface, state leader Wu Bangguo's whirlwind visit to Hong Kong didn't even whip up ripples on the city's political waters. His programme was so carefully arranged that he was spared ugly encounters with protesters. In remarks made on various occasions, he avoided wading into politically sensitive issues such as the re-election bid of Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, and relations between Beijing and the pro-democratic force. Instead, the chairman of the National People's Congress sang the same old song of economic development and social harmony, and highlighted the importance of the chief executive election. Speaking at a meeting with Mr Tsang and his team on Saturday, Mr Wu said: 'I hope you will accurately gauge the pulse of the masses while implementing the policy directions set down by the chief executive, and handle them in a pragmatic, efficient and decisive manner.' Even the most sceptical pundits would find it difficult to read a lot from such bland remarks. Nevertheless, the fact that Mr Wu chose his words carefully - both in substance and tone - during the visit reflects the close touch, and critical awareness, that Beijing leaders have of the undercurrents in the city's changing political landscape. On Sunday, about 220,000 electors will go to voting booths and elect the 800-member Election Committee, which will choose the next chief executive in March. Although Mr Tsang's re-election is a foregone conclusion, the profound impacts that the election could have on the city's political life remain a source of unease among Beijing officials. For the first time since the first chief executive election in 1996, there is a fair chance that a candidate from the pro-democratic camp, namely Alan Leong Kah-kit, will muster enough nominations to stand for election in March. If he gains entry to the race, it will enliven the election atmosphere and increase pressure on Mr Tsang to talk about his policies and visions. A contested election could also put the 800 Election Committee members in a stronger position to bargain with the chief executive to obtain more benefits for people in their sectors. Analysts have rightly pointed out that powerful business interests have clearly used the chief executive contest as an opportunity to boost their political influence in the city's policy-making process. There has been a fierce scramble for seats among some business and finance constituencies in the Election Committee poll, causing infighting among government-friendly candidates. Unconfirmed media reports said Mr Tsang had been criticised for failing to persuade his allies to shun infighting over Sunday's election. Even before Mr Tsang announces his re-election bid, he is encountering difficulty in reconciling the interests of various business sectors. That looks likely to become the shape of things to come in his second term, if he gets re-elected. Publicly, Mr Wu - like other leaders in the past year - has spoken highly of the overall situation of Hong Kong. It is equally clear, however, that Beijing has concerns about the city's social, economic and political problems. Last year, Premier Wen Jiabao noted that the city faced deep-seated conflicts and contradictions: they have not yet been resolved. The underlying tension in the city's socio-economic and political spheres could partly explain the prevailing feeling of discontent and grievances towards the government that are reflected in opinion polls. Beneath Mr Wu's call for the Tsang team to accurately grasp public sentiments - and for residents to adopt an inclusive attitude towards each other - lies a fear that the city's deep-seated contradictions might intensify at a time of change in administrations. Fears about the city's economic development may have eased, albeit temporarily. But state leaders like Mr Wu seem to realise that the goal of social harmony remains elusive in Hong Kong. Chris Yeung is the Post's editor-at-large
