- Title: China leader admits problems in Hong Kong, pledges to respect autonomy
- Date: 18th May 2016
- Summary: HONG KONG, CHINA (MAY 18, 2016) (REUTERS) PRO DEMOCRACY LEGISLATOR, ALAN LEONG, WALKING IN FOR NEWS CONFERENCE WITH OTHER LEGISLATORS LOGO OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG LEONG STANDING WITH OTHER PRO DEMOCRACY LEGISLATORS MEDIA FILMING (SOUNDBITE) (Cantonese) PRO DEMOCRACY LEGISLATOR, ALAN LEONG, SAYING: "He (Zhang) is not yet able to face the issue with courage and analyse why there are talks about independence and why there are discussions about fighting authorities to safeguard their own rights." NEWS CONFERENCE IN SESSION (SOUNDBITE) (English) PAN DEMOCRAT LEGISLATOR, ALAN LEONG, SAYING: "He said that it seems that everywhere in the world that there is a crave for referendum in resolving problems, as if the demand for self-determination in Hong Kong is just part of the world trend." JOURNALISTS TAKING NOTES LEUNG AND LEGISLATORS LEAVING ROOM
- Embargoed: 2nd June 2016 17:45
- Keywords: China Hong Kong Zhang Dejiang number three official
- Location: HONG KONG, CHINA
- City: HONG KONG, CHINA
- Country: Hong Kong
- Topics: Fundamental Rights/Civil Liberties,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA0024IC68G7
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:China's number three official Zhang Dejiang said in Hong Kong on Wednesday (May 18) that Beijing was aware of 'problems' in the city but would respect Hong Kong autonomy as protesters hit the streets to oppose China's attempts to squeeze local freedoms.
Zhang's visit comes amid political tensions in Hong Kong. It is the first by a senior state leader since tens of thousands of people mounted a massive, but ultimately unsuccessful push to pressure Beijing to grant full democracy during street protests in late 2014.
At a speech at an evening banquet, Zhang made unusually direct comments on the recent events in Hong Kong.
Zhang also addressed the trend of more radical activists forming political groupings and staging disruptive protests to call for greater Hong Kong nationalism and even independence from China.
"This isn't a local problem, but it is separatism under the name of localism," Zhang said.
A feature of Zhang's trip has also been repeated pledges of a more engaged Beijing actively listening to public concerns about Hong Kong's core relationship with China.
Ahead of the banquet, Zhang met with a group of lawmakers, judges and officials which included four pro-democracy legislators.
The pro-democracy figures, including Chairman of Civic Party Alan Leong, said the rare meeting was civil and they had the opportunity to engage in brief direct dialogues with Zhang.
But he added Zhang's comments during the banquet on Hong Kong independence indicated that he does not fully understand the issue.
Thousands of police were deployed across Hong Kong on Wednesday (May 18) as Zhang toured various sites including a science park.
Zhang, the head of China's parliament, the National People's Congress and Beijing's point person on Hong Kong affairs, leaves Hong Kong on Thursday (May 19). - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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