Two of the main candidates to be the next chief executive have been seen meeting mainland officials at the central government's liaison office.
The discussions have fuelled speculation they may be trying to lobby Beijing for its direct support as the race heats up.
Former Executive Council convenor Leung Chun-ying confirmed yesterday that he had visited the liaison office's headquarters in Western District on Tuesday, but refused to disclose further details.
Leung's rival, Henry Tang Ying-yen, also called in at the liaison office, but sidestepped questions about the visit, saying he 'would not comment on private activities'.
Earlier, Tang had told media he had 'no plan to visit the central liaison office'.
However, according to people who were briefed about his visit on Tuesday, Tang arrived at the liaison office before Leung.