Hongkongers should focus on city's role in mainland's development, not parallel trading
Mainland leaders think that parallel trading row is not such a big issue for Hong Kong
It appeared to be an anti-climax when Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying told reporters earlier this month that problems caused by the controversial multiple-entry scheme for Shenzhen residents could not be solved quickly. However, it was in fact not at all strange.
Before embarking on a five-day trip to Beijing, Leung promised he would raise the issue with mainland authorities, giving hope to many that there could be a restriction on the number of mainland visitors allowed to enter the city. But interestingly, shortly after Leung made his pledge, government sources tried to play down public expectations by telling the media that "there would not be any concrete result" from just one visit.
A Chinese saying is relevant here: "The more one expects, the greater the disappointment". When Leung said he would discuss the issue with Beijing, he did not say nor mean that he could achieve a result. Indeed, after meeting Beijing officials, Leung admitted that any restrictions must have the consent of the mainland side.
Looking at why Leung went to Beijing makes things clearer. Each year in March, both the Hong Kong and Macau leaders are invited to Beijing to attend the opening sessions of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. This practice is to allow the chief executives of the two special administrative regions to be updated on the country's latest development directions.
Leung was therefore not invited to Beijing to talk about the multiple-entry issue, though he could surely touch on it. Of greater importance were preparations for the Shenzhen-Hong Kong stock connect later this year and Hong Kong's role in the 13th five-year plan, which starts next year.
Of course Leung also met Wang Guangya, who heads the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office under the State Council. It is understood they touched on the latest situation in the city, including intensifying cross-border tension. But the fact that neither Leung nor Wang answered any questions from reporters waiting outside the meeting venue for many hours spoke a lot.
And after all, is parallel trading a big deal? There are conflicting views depending on who you are. Mainland officials, including Guangdong planning chief Li Chunhong , described the phenomenon as "natural" - akin to "international trade".
The political nature of the controversy was what really concerned Beijing. NPC chairman Zhang Dejiang blamed some protesters with "ulterior motives" for trying to "sow discord" between Hongkongers and mainlanders, stressing that the problem should not be magnified. Instead, Zhang emphasised the urgent need for Hong Kong to seize opportunities derived from mainland development plans.
Leung might want to pacify some local sentiment by saying he would discuss the parallel-trading problem in Beijing. But it was simply not a dominant issue for mainland leaders. What they see as being more pressing is for Hong Kong to reflect on its role in the country's overall planning and development. This is a reality Hongkongers need to realise and face.
