PRO-BEIJING MAGAZINE ALLEGES U.S. "INTERFERENCE"

C O N F I D E N T I A L HONG KONG 004529

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EAP AND EAP/CM
NSC FOR WILDER

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/21/2031
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PINR PREL HK CH
SUBJECT: PRO-BEIJING MAGAZINE ALLEGES U.S. "INTERFERENCE"
IN HONG KONG, AGAIN

REF: A. CCP2006111610012

B. HONG KONG 2786

Classified By: Acting E/P Chief Craig Reilly. Reasons: 1.4 (b,d)


1. (C) "Mirror" magazine, a pro-Beijing Chinese-language
monthly, repeated well-worn allegations in its November issue
that the USG continued to interfere in Hong Kong's internal
affairs (Ref A). "Mirror" magazine is published by Xu Simin,
a retired Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
(CPPCC) Standing Committee member. Xu, a prominent pro-PRC
figure in Hong Kong, founded the magazine in 1977 and said it
would adhere to three primary principles: 1) to love China;
2) to support the Chinese Communist Party; and 3) to pursue
an independent editorial policy with unbiased criticism. The
low circulation "Mirror" does not have official ties to the
PRC Government and is available for sale in mainland China.


2. (C) Unlike the accusations published by the quasi-official
PRC magazine "Bauhinia" in June (Ref B),the "Mirror" article
presents a less sophisticated analysis of USG activities in
Hong Kong. Instead, the "Mirror" article alleges that the
USG continues to "interfere" in Hong Kong affairs through the
sharing of information with other Consuls General in Hong
Kong; holding meetings with foreign chambers of commerce and
foreign business tycoons "under the pretext of 'exchanging
views' and 'listening to their opinions'"; and "colluding
with politicians and legislators of the bogus democratic
faction." The article called on Hong Kongers to "safeguard
the dignity and security of the HKSAR of China" by calling on
the U.S. Consulate to abide by international norms and Hong
Kong laws. "Mirror" magazine published similar allegations
in August 2004, September 2004, and most recently in March

2006.


3. (C) Comment: The timing of the publication of such
allegations is not surprising, given that campaigns are
underway for the 800-member Chief Executive Election
Committee elections on December 10. By repeatedly painting
normal diplomatic activities conducted by USG officials as
"intervention" in Hong Kong affairs, the "Mirror" tries to
remind "patriotic" Hong Kongers that any contact with USG
officials could potentially be construed in a negative light.
End Comment.
Cunningham