Insights from Hong Kong

Posts Tagged ‘Xi Jinping’

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From Today’s Cantonese Press

In China, Hong Kong on 19 March 2013 at 10:01 AM

 

Fa Yuen street fire in Mongkok originated at a faulty electrical switch.

The fire that killed nine was accidental but the murder of one was premeditated. At least that’s the outcome of an inquest into the Mongkok fire last year – and the preliminary police findings of Sunday’s murder-suicide.

Xi calls on Hong Kong to unite around Leung

Yesterday, Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang met with Hong Kong and Macau Chief Executives Leung Chun-ying and Fernando Chui for the first time as President and Premier. Xi expressed that he was happy that Leung’s stated wish to “maintain stability while seeking change” had earned the support of Hong Kong’s people. However, he stressed that the key to success was in the implementation of policy. He also called on Hong Kong society to unite around Leung, using a Chinese proverb that to express that when many people work together, great works can be accomplished. In the afternoon, Premier Li Keqiang held a separate meeting with the two SAR Chief Executives to express the mainland’s support for Hong Kong and Macau.

 

Police suspect Harbourside murder-suicide was premeditated

Police suspect the apparent murder-suicide case which resulted in the stabbing death of tycoon Peng Chi-hui and the death of his partner, Wong Suk-kan, from a 77-floor plunge was the premeditated outcome of a relationship problem. According to Teddy Hung Hon-yee, a shareholder of the electric current therapy center that Wong operated, Wong had previously learned that Peng was having an affair. This caused her great distress, causing her to lose 30 pounds in a short time. Hong said that Wong showed up at the center on Friday to pay staff for the upcoming month and to settle the rent. Therefore, it is possible that she knew that she would kill Peng.

 

Fa Yuen Street fire inquest jury says the resulting deaths were accidental

Last year, a fire in a building on Mong Kok’s Fa Yuen Street resulted in the deaths of nine people. Following a 15-day inquest, the jury ruled that the deaths were the accidental result of an electrical malfunction at a stall below the building. The jury also made suggestions designed to reduce the risk of fires to the Buildings Department, the Fire Services Department and three other government divisions. The ruling displeased some of the relatives of the deceased, who complained that it did not leave any room to determine who was responsible.

 

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Xi Jinping Tells Hong Kong: Stand By Your Man!

In China, Hong Kong on 19 March 2013 at 8:26 AM

Before Xi Jinping’s speech, Hong Kongers used to poke fun at CY Leung.

I know it’s a country western song. And if I cared enough I’d Google to see who sang it. But I can hear the twangy tones without much imagination. “Stand by your man!” It’s so bad it’s good.

Sans guitar, China’s new President Xi Jinping implored the same of everyone in Hong Kong. Xi likes Leung. We all need to fall in line:

“I hope different sectors in the Hong Kong society can be closely united…and actively support Leung’s governance in accordance with law,” said Xi Jinping.

The problem is Hong Kong may need more than a ballad or a plea to support its Chief Executive. Just six weeks ago the approval rating of CY Leung reached a new record. Sadly it was a record low:

“In the monthly survey conducted by the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, Leung’s rating in January has dropped by 2.5 points to 46.4 points – a record low since he won the election in March last year.” (Source: The South China Morning Post)

Xi Jinping made his pronouncement yesterday in Beijing when Hong Kong’s appointed leader went to Beijing. This was Leung’s first meeting with the newly appointed President of China. Also in attendance were Zhang Dejiang, the designated next-in-charge of Hong Kong and Macau affairs. In a historic first, also in the meeting was Dr Fernando Chui Sai-on, the leader of Macau. Traditionally the President of China met Hong Kong and Macau’s leadership separately.

The support of Beijing’s man in Hong Kong is vital for Xi Jinping to achieve his dream. He sees a renaissance of China and that requires support from the two Special Administrative Regions. (Both Hong Kong and Macau have 50 year transition agreements where “one country, two systems” applies to their administration.)

So here we go. And yes, I did bother. It was Tammy Wynette. Come on Hong Kong!  Sing Along! Stand By Your Man!

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From Today’s Cantonese Press

In China on 18 March 2013 at 10:26 AM

As an American I always associate “I had a dream” with Martin Luther King Jr. Yet in Beijing the ‘dream theme’ re-emerged when incoming President Xi Jinping shared his dream of a Chinese renaissance. That seems in full swing when you look at the progress of the nation in the last two decades. For Hong Kong part of that dream includes a better relationship with Hong Kong. Keep dreaming?

Xi and Li call on SAR residents to act in the national interest

Yesterday, during the closing ceremony of the National People’s Congress, President Xi Jinping spoke on his vision of a “Chinese Dream”. During his speech, Xi said that Hong Kong and Macau residents must act in the overall interest of the nation and of their special administrative regions (SARs) to protect and promote the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau. Premier Li Keqiang also spoke of Hong Kong and Macau, saying that the central government would spare no effort to undertake actions that increase the welfare of the SARs, deepen the relations between the mainland and the SARs, and protect the long-term prosperity of Hong Kong and Macau.

 

Hong Kong rocked by another gruesome death

Yesterday, a suspected murder-suicide occurred at The Harbourside in West Kowloon. After ingesting sleeping pills, 47-year-old Wong Suk-kan stabbed her partner Peng Chi-hui, director of a logistics company, over 100 times and nearly chopped off his head. Wong then called her ex-husband, who lives abroad, to tell him that she had committed murder before leaping to her death from the 77th floor. The chief inspector in charge of the case said that Wong had recently been emotionally unstable. The murder followed a case in which a teenager murdered his father and seriously injured his mother with a knife.

 

Broadcasting director’s role is different, says Lam Woon-kwong

Yesterday, ExCo Convener Lam Woon-kwong weighed in on the controversy over claims that RTHK Broadcasting Director Roy Tang has been restricting editorial independence at the station. Lam said that RTHK is both a part of the government and a public broadcaster. Therefore, he said, the director of broadcasting has a responsibility to act in the public interest, and RTHK has the right to criticize the government’s words and actions. Lam also said that any communication problems between the director and the staff members should be resolved through frank and honest discussion. Meanwhile, a group of about 100 protestors from government support groups marched to RTHK yesterday to demonstrate their support for Tang.

 

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From Today’s Cantonese Press

In China on 15 March 2013 at 12:29 PM

Other than the boss’ son, no one has ever had such assurances of a job as the leaders of China’s Communist Party. Xi Jinping is President! Li Keqiang is Premier!

NPC selects national leaders

Yesterday, the National People’s Congress (NPC) elected Xi Jinping as President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Chairman of the PRC Central Military Commission. The NPC also elected Li Keqiang as Premier, Communist Party Standing Committee Member Zhang Dejiang as Chairman of the NPC, and Politburo member Li Yuanchao as Vice President. Li Yuanchao may assist Zhang Dejiang in handling Hong Kong and Macau affairs in the future.

Rita Fan is reelected to the NPC Standing Committee

Yesterday, Rita Fan was once again elected to the Standing Committee of the NPC, but she received more opposing votes than during the last election. Fan received 2,790 votes in favor of her reelection. Opposing votes and abstentions numbered 124 and 27 respectively. Fan said that her fall in popularity might be due to her open criticism of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying. She also said that her age might have played a role.

Choi Yuen Village road dispute flares up again

The dispute over ownership rights to an access road to New Choi Yuen Village has once again flared up. The villagers purchased the land for the village in 2011 with money they received from the government in compensation for the demolition of their old village in preparation for the construction of the new high-speed railway to Guangzhou. Residents have offered HK$500,000 to the landlords to purchase the rights to use the road. Yesterday, the chairman of a village council said that the landlords did not want to accept the money because he was not happy with the attitude of the villagers at a recent meeting. The owner also said that the issue was not only about money.

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China’s Leaders Share Personal Photographs

In China on 27 December 2012 at 11:20 AM

Xi Jinping meets villagers in 1983, when he was Communist Party secretary of Zhengding county.

When he took to the stage at the Communist Party National Congress in November Xi Jinping made history. Of course this was only the second peaceful transition of power in the history of China. But more importantly Xi did the unthinkable. He apologised for running late. And he smiled.

Gone are the days of stern leaders. Now China’s leaders have begun smiling and using everyday language. In the week after his elevation to leader of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping took a stroll through a park in Shenzhen. And he didn’t have the park evacuated. Everyday citizens were able to shake his hand. A few brazen Hong Kong journalists shouted out questions that Xi answered.

This “charm offensive” continued this week with Xinhua State News Agency releasing a series of personal photographs every day this week. These show Xi Jinping as a young party manager conducting business in rural villages (above). It also includes a lengthy profile article in China Daily dated 25 December 2012 – Christmas Day.

One more photograph shows Xi Jinping walking with his family (below). This photograph showcases three famous people. Xi Jinping is at the rear pushing his father. That man is Xi Zhongxun who was a communist revolutionary and close ally of Mao Zedong – China’s first Communist leader and patriarch of the nation. Accompanying the two men is Peng Liyuan, the wife of Xi Jinping and one of China’s best-known folk singers.

Xi Jinping at right rear, pushing his father Xi Zhongxun in a wheelchair. His wife and children accompany.

In many ways Xi Jinping’s wife is better known to ordinary Chinese. Peng Liyuan appeared each New Year’s Day on CCTV’s gala broadcast (note this is for Chinese New Year, not Western New Year). This is a tradition in China and has 700 million viewers. It is the most widely watched television show in the world. That’s more people than the combined populations of America, Canada, Australia, England, South Africa and Ireland (with a spare 223 million on top).

These personal photographs are gaining widespread circulation in China and around the world. Newspapers, wire services and blogs are profiling these happy snaps with headlines like “The Xi Jinping that you don’t know“.

Altogether these images add a new dimension to China’s leadership. They showcase family men and aspiring careerists. They are meant to make the leaders more approachable and more familiar. To me, this is another sign of China’s snail-like progress towards a more open society. Who knows. One day these men might stand for election. Until then it’s just nice to see them as human.

Xi Jinping with his daughter

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From Today’s Cantonese Press

In Hong Kong, Public Affairs on 21 December 2012 at 3:23 PM

Government makes the top news today. Here’s what’s making headlines in the Hong Kong press today.

Xi Jinping says Beijing’s approach towards Hong Kong will not change

Yesterday, Vice-President Xi Jinping met with Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, who had traveled to the capital to give an update on his work. Xi expressed support for Leung’s work as Chief Executive, saying that, as a leader, Leung demonstrated an enterprising spirit and pragmatic action. Xi also said that he would continue to support governance in Hong Kong according to the law. Xi mentioned that, following the leadership transition in Beijing, the approach of the central government towards Hong Kong would not change. He said that it was important for everyone to correctly understand and implement One Country, Two Systems, and to respect and protect the Basic Law.

 

Pan-democrats put the process of impeaching Leung in motion

Yesterday, 27 pan-democrat legislators came together to put the process of impeaching Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying in motion. It was the first time that a Hong Kong Chief Executive had been the subject of an impeachment process. The legislators expect that the matter will be debated on 9 January at the earliest. Democratic Party Chairperson Emily Lau sent a letter to Leung yesterday to explain the pan-democrats’ reasoning and to ask Leung to step down in order to take responsibility for his illegal actions and misconduct in office. The People’s Power Party went further by calling for Leung and other members of his government to all resign.

 

Management gives in, resolving complaints of Cathay Pacific workers

The management of Cathay Pacific and representatives of the flight crew’s union resolved their differences yesterday. Management promised that, in the coming two years, flight crew stationed in outports would be kept within 15 percent of the total. Additionally, management agreed that at least half of the flights coming and going to outports would be staffed by Hong Kong staff members. Cathay Pacific will also improve the working conditions of staff members who must travel to and from outports. For example, staff members who head to Singapore will be able to stay in a hotel in Singapore as opposed to returning on the same day – a working day of 11 hours. They can also have a HK$500 subsidy.

 

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China’s New Leader, In The Footsteps of Deng Xiaoping

In China, Hong Kong, Public Affairs on 10 December 2012 at 9:34 AM

 

Xi Jinping in Shenzhen

Xi Jinping in Shenzhen

This weekend the Southern China city of Shenzhen had a remarkable visitor. Newly-appointed president-to-be Xi Jinping visited this bustling metropolis. This mega-city lies across a muddy channel from Hong Kong. It is the epicentre of late leader Den Xiaping’s economic reforms. Prior to these reforms Shenzhen was a fishing village of 50,000. Today there are approximately 14 million people.

Shenzhen: From 50,000 to 14 million in 30 years

Shenzhen: From 50,000 to 14 million in 30 years

The visit was unique in that Xi Jinping took a very casual approach to his visit. During a tour of Lotus Hill Park those already in the park were invited to stay. Many got a chance to meet their new leader and to shake his hand.

For those accustomed to American-style politics the shake of a hand of a president isn’t front page news. In China, it is. The new leaders of China understand their mandate to lead the nation rests int he hands of the people of China. We’re seeing more relaxed photographs of our leaders. We see “handshake tours” and friendly smiles. Top politicians who have scandal int heir family aren’t promoted to top jobs.

In a strange way, this is a shift towards democracy. China’s leaders are more and more approachable and…how do I say it…human.

The choice of Shenzhen is telling for another reason. In 1992 as he was navigating broad economic reforms then leader Deng Xiaoping made a “Southern Tour” of the cities benefiting from the reform policies. His statue is in the middle of the park Xi Jinping visited.

Deng Xiaoping in Lotus Hill Park, Shenzhen

Deng Xiaoping in Lotus Hill Park, Shenzhen

 

The establishment of a Special Economic Zone at Shenzhen was an initial experiment of Capitalism within a Communist country. That a newly-appointed leader came to the same city is a firm endorsement that today’s establishment plans to continue support of economic reforms.

In the crowd of onlookers were two Hong Kong journalists, who shouted questions asking what message Xi had for this city:

“Hong Kong will definitely stay thriving and prosperous,” said Xi Jinping

For readers of tea leaves and those dedicated to deciphering top leadership statements for clues of future policies, this one was very clear. New leaders – major transition in China – flagging economy. What can we expect? Major stimulus to ensure China rebounds and takes Hong Kong with it.

At the end of his tour around the park Xi got into a van and, before driving off, opened his window and waved to the crowd. This drew cheers of support.

Xi Jinping’s weekend visit to Shenzhen had all the hallmarks of a US presidential visit – people politics, handshakes, open motorcade waves, and a commitment to support the economy.

Yet don’t forget – this is still China. Neither Xinhua News Agency or CCTV covered his visit yet. So anyone outside the park this past weekend has no idea it ever happened.

 

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From Today’s Cantonese Press

In China on 29 November 2012 at 3:07 PM

Big news is the appointment of a Hong Kong liaison officer in Beijing – not who everyone was expecting!

 

Zhang Dejiang to take charge of Hong Kong and Macau affairs

Since the conclusion of the 18th Party Congress of the Communist Party of China, there has been much speculation over which Chinese politician would take over the Hong Kong and Macau portfolio from General Secretary Xi Jinping. Now, Sing Tao’s inside sources say that new Standing Committee member and next year’s National People’s Congress Chairman Zhang Dejiang will take over the leadership of the Central Coordinating Group for Hong Kong and Macau Affairs from Xi. Hong Kong ExCo member Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung, who has encountered Zhang many times, believes that Zhang will do well in the position due to the knowledge of Hong Kong and the experience with Guangdong-Hong Kong integration that Zhang gained while serving as Guangdong Party Secretary.

 

Carrie Lam denies interfering in Leung’s illegal structure case

Yesterday, Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam denied that she had interfered in the Buildings Department’s enforcement of the law to protect Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying while she was serving as Secretary for Development. Lam did not respond regarding whether the scandal would affect the credibility of the government and whether she thought Leung had attempted to cover up news of his illegal structure. Current Secretary for Development Paul Chan Mo-po yesterday admitted that the Buildings Department had sent Leung several notifications about his illegal structure, but he emphasized that the department had never specified how to enforce the law. He also said that allegations that the Buildings Department attempted to protect Leung were far from the truth.

 

Ricky Wong sues ATV’s Shing for slander

CTV Chairman Ricky Wong has entered into a legal battle with ATV. In response to ATV Executive Chairman Shing Pan-yu’s previous allegations that he had proof that Wong had stolen business secrets during Wong’s short time at the helm of ATV, Wong yesterday moved to sue Shing for slander at the High Court. Wong is demanding that the court stop Shing from repeating his allegations and has asked for compensation.

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Lost Secrets? An Indicator Your Company (or Communist Party) is Sick

In China, Public Affairs on 15 November 2012 at 9:15 AM

The Communist Party of China is facing a problem that plagues many sick corporations. It is unable to keep a secret.

I worked at Ford Motor Company when Jacques Nasser was CEO. He introduced a forced ranking system for annual performance reviews. Managers were required to rank a percentage of employees in the lowest tranche. If you were in that lowest ranking two years in a row the company made you redundant.

This system was so widely despised it led to a quiet insurrection. Numerous company secrets worked their way into the Detroit newspapers. One day a mid-level Human Resources manager left with a box of files. He engaged a solicitor and claimed the performance rankings were discriminatory. A lawsuit and many, many negative articles ensued.

In time Mr Nasser and his head of Human Resources were invited to leave.

Dr. Leslie Gaines-Ross is the Chief Reputation Officer at Weber-Shandwick. Her book on CEOs notes that the loss of company secrets is an early indicator of company troubles (Read her blog reputationXchange.com). Employees lack faith in management so they begin to share information with outsiders. These employees seek validation that their wrongful assessment is on target. They also seek to destabilise management, such as occurred at Ford.

“Stop me if you’ve heard this one.”

Today the Communist Party of China faces the same challenge. It’s deepest discussions are being spread across the Internet. Changes in leadership and new policies are widely known before they are published.

Partly this is blamed on the two competing factions within the one party. The conservatives are loyal to the founding principles of Communism and want a return to state-sponsored social benefits and stricter controls on the economy. Reformists are seeking to continue the economic reforms that have made China the world’s second largest economy.

Both understand China faces mounting problems of income disparity, ecological degradation, food safety concerns, inadequate healthcare cover and more. These all lead to increased incidents of social unrest. All this destabilises the Communist Party’s control of the State.

And in the midst of this turmoil the State cannot keep a secret. Internal Party deliberations are aired online. Internal factions are reported in newspapers.

The incoming President of China, Xi Jinping, faces enormous challenges. One of which is restoring trust among fellow Communist party members. Only then will its secrets be safe.

Incoming President of China Xi Jinping

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China: Hu Jintao Handing Over Military Leadership

In China, Public Affairs on 12 November 2012 at 9:42 AM

The world’s largest armed forces

Outgoing President of China Hu Jintao plans to also transfer leadership of the military this week. At the conclusion of the 18th National Party Congress concludes on Wednesday, Xi Jinping will assume command of the Communist Party, the Presidency and the People’s Liberation Army.

The immediate transfer of all powers is a return to tradition in China. Under transition plans developed by former paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, all command was to be placed under new leadership at once. But Jiang Zemin changed that by retaining command of the army when he transferred power to Hu Jintao in 2002. This was widely criticised at the time.

Perhaps because of his own experiences at the time, Hu Jintao decided to make a clean break.

The People’s Liberation Army has some 3 million members and is the largest armed force on earth. The PLA was founded in 1927 as a guerilla force and fought the Japanese wartime invaders and the Kuomingtan. It’s 3 million members have all living expenses covered, and receive a salary of RMB4,000 per year (US$640 per year). Learn more here. 

“Without the people, there is no people’s army. Without the people’s army, the people have nothing.” PLA slogan

Combat ready

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