Short, but a constructive meeting nonetheless

Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of China's National People's Congress, followed by Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, arrives for a three-day visit in Hong Kong May 17, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Understandably, a brief single meeting is unlikely to achieve something significant or resolve major issues. Yet the fact that representatives from Hong Kong's opposition camp accepted an invitation and met with State leader Zhang Dejiang on Wednesday is already something worth celebrating.

After the election reform package proposed by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region fell through in June last year, many members of the opposition camp have remained agitated and expressed their cynicism about almost everything the government is doing in the SAR. Some of their younger members have even indulged in political extremism and delusion about having their way.

The participation of four Hong Kong legislators representing the major political groups in the city's opposition camp in Wednesday's meeting with Zhang, who chairs the National People's Congress Standing Committee and oversees Hong Kong affairs, suggests the welcome return of reason and pragmatism within the opposition camp－at least as far as the mainstream of the opposition is concerned.

This is of paramount significance to settling any controversy regarding any issue in the SAR, particularly those affecting its future development.

Only with reason and pragmatism can the members of Hong Kong's opposition camp engage in constructive discussion on any issue regarding the SAR's future.

More importantly, in demonstrating their willingness to communicate with and present their views on significant issues regarding Hong Kong's future development with the top legislator, the opposition leaders have recognized that the central authorities in Beijing too have a stake in the success of Hong Kong, over which it has constitutional rights and responsibility under the principle of "One Country, Two Systems".

Indeed, a meeting with Zhang is a great opportunity, by any measure, for them to present their views on local issues to the central authorities.

After all, what better channel or opportunity is there than directly conversing with the top official in charge of the country's constitutional affairs for that purpose?

There might not have been enough time for the attendees to present all their points at the 40-minute meeting. But it is a good start in the sense that it has opened a new channel for communication between the central authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong's opposition camp.

It is to be hoped it heralds further dialogue that can bring Hong Kong together in pursuit of a common future.