National People's Congress Chairman Zhang Dejiang vowed to listen to Hong Kong's suggestions regarding its autonomy, as he began the highest-level visit by a state leader since pro-democracy protests paralyzed the city two years ago.
Hong Kong was on high alert for the three-day tour by Zhang, the No. 3 official in the ruling Communist Party and the first top leader to visit since 2012, when then-President Hu Jintao celebrated the anniversary of the city's return to China. In the intervening years, Hong Kong has convulsed over escalating campaigns for greater autonomy, including protests in 2014 that shut down key business districts for months and a February riot involving a "localist" group that injured more than 90 police officers.
"I want to see new and old friends, and how ordinary Hong Kong people live their lives," Zhang said upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport. "I want to hear suggestions and requests from all walks of society on implementing 'one country, two systems,' 'Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong,' a 'high degree of autonomy,' the Basic Law and on the country's building and development."