Tensions with mainland run high ahead of NPC meeting in Beijing

There's already a lot at stake this year when the National People's Congress gathers in Beijing starting tomorrow.

But as city officials and political activists hotly debate the process for choosing candidates to become Hong Kong's next chief executive in 2017 - an election that could grant all citizens the right to vote - a hateful campaign against mainland tourists threatens the city's relationship with its national leaders. At the same time, democrats who want Beijing to stay out of the election are promising to paralyse the city with a huge protest.

Several Hongkongers say they worry that growing tensions between city residents and mainlanders, as well as pro-democracy activists, could ruin any chance that Beijing will abide by Hongkongers' voice in 2017. The central government will have enormous power over that election - including who runs, who can't, the election rules, and ultimately whether to back or reject the voters' choice.

The city, some fear, could wind up with a leader who will be deferential and loyal to Beijing.

"Some Beijing officials are concerned with the 'anti-locust' and the pro-independence movement that showed signs of being rooted locally," said a local, long-time congress delegate, using the slur against mainlanders shouted by the street protestors last month. "These thoughts have damaged the prospects of the pan-democrats' demands for electoral reform."