Govt braces for HK clashes

Li Fei (C), vice secretary-general of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, Zhang Rongshun (L), vice-chairperson of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, and Feng Wei, deputy director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, are present at a briefing session concerning the NPC Standing Committee's Decision on Issues Relating to the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by Universal Suffrage and on the Method for Forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the Year 2016, in Hong Kong, south China, Sept 1, 2014. Photo: Xinhua

NPC 'highly concerned' over Occupy Central: top official

An official from China's top legislature Monday warned against illegal activities in Hong Kong as pro-democracy groups persist on an increasingly confrontational approach following the adoption by the National People's Congress (NPC) of a political reform framework for the region.

"Members of the NPC Standing committee are highly concerned about Occupy Central. If we give in because some people engaged in illegal activities, that would only bring about more, worse law-breaking behavior," Li Fei, a deputy secretary-general of the NPC Standing Committee, Monday told a briefing in Hong Kong, reported the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

"If Occupy Central indeed happens, we believe the Special Administrative Region government and its well-trained police forces are fully capable of handling it," Li said, reported the Hong Kong-based SCMP.

Li flew to Hong Kong late Sunday shortly after the NPC decision on the framework for the first universal suffrage in the region to allow residents to choose their chief executive in 2017.

The framework, which requires candidates running for the 2017 chief executive race to secure support from at least 50 percent of members on a nominating committee, has been deemed by pro-democracy activists and lawmakers as an overly-high threshold that will bar pan-democrats from running.

Li's trip to Hong Kong has been regarded by some Chinese mainland analysts as a friendly gesture while others deem it a claim on Beijing's sovereignty over Hong Kong's electoral process.

"Li's explanation has shown sincerity from the authorities in gathering consensus," Zhang Dinghuai, a deputy director of Contemporary Chinese Politics Research Institute at Shenzhen University, told the Global Times.

"The framework has left space for discussion so that once Hong Kong has taken the first step, adjustments can be made in the second step," noted Zhang.

Li's speech on Monday hinted that Hong Kong's electoral methods could be amended according to circumstance.

Democracy activists, however, remain unconvinced, calling the framework overly restrictive.

Benny Tai Yiu-ting, co-founder of Occupy Central, expressed opposition to Beijing's decision and said protests and school strikes will be organized in the coming weeks, ahead of a full-blown protest intended to shut down Hong Kong's commercial heart.

Student-initiated campaign groups, including Scholarism and Hong Kong Federation of Students, both said Monday they are planning to boycott classes in support of the Occupy movement.

Separately, Taiwan-based democracy activist Wang Dan Monday called on the establishment of a work group formed by overseas Chinese, lawmakers worldwide and Nobel laureates to advocate that Hong Kong residents, who participate in Occupy Central, should be given a Nobel Peace Prize.

During his speech, Li urged Hong Kong society to move forward with political reform instead of escalating confrontation.

"The door for conversation has always been open," said Li, "But from what I've seen in today's briefing, it is the pan-democrats who are not willing to talk."

Confrontation and tensions, which is what general society does not want to see, will not bring the discussion back on track, noted Li.

The seminar was at several points disrupted by some pro-democracy lawmakers and protestors, who chanted slogans and waved signs, reported Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK).

Scuffles broke out at one point outside the venue as protesters attempted to storm the venue, while police were forced to use pepper spray.

Hundreds also arrived at the venue in support of Beijing's decision that will allow a smooth transition to the 2017 election, and shouted slogans that said Occupy Central will "mess up" Hong Kong, reported RTHK.

Over a dozen chambers of commerce in the region on Monday urged the Hong Kong community to unite for Hong Kong prosperity and stability, and urged residents not to take part in the illegal Occupy Central campaign.

Business tycoon Li Ka-shing reiterated his support to press ahead with political reform instead of remaining with the status quo.

For the reform to move forward, the plan needs endorsement from two-thirds of the city's 70-member legislative body, while a group of 25 lawmakers has claimed they will vote down the framework.

Some other lawmakers are optimistic about the progress.

"We still have six months of [second round] consultations [before the framework is put to vote]," said legislator and chair of the New People's Party, Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee.

The desire of the majority of Hong Kong residents to have the 2017 election may also exert a positive influence on lawmakers when making their decision, Ip told the Global Times.