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