CHINA'S top official in charge of Hong Kong affairs Lu Ping is likely to visit the territory next month if Beijing decides to hold meetings of its Preliminary Working Committee (PWC) here.
The PWC leadership is seriously considering the possibility of choosing Hong Kong as an alternative venue for sessions of the five sub-groups as early as next month.
This follows strong lobbying by local PWC members who have qualms about travelling to the Chinese capital almost every month.
Shifting the venue to the territory has also been seen as imperative if the China-appointed working body is to accelerate its work and become a ''second stove'' or shadow government.
Some members were told privately that sub-group meetings might be held every two weeks for groups, such as political affairs, which have a long agenda.
A decision is expected within days.
It is understood that Mr Lu, Hong Kong and Macau affairs director, will join the PWC group meetings if held in the territory.
