On some District Councillors' suggestion today (March 12) that representatives of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) should not be invited to attend local community activities to avoid speculation of LOCPG's meddling with Hong Kong's affairs, a government spokesman said in response to media enquiries that:
"LOCPG is an office set up by the Central People's Government (CPG) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). One of its main functions is to liaise with various sectors of the Hong Kong community to enhance exchanges between the Mainland and Hong Kong. Hence, it is normal for LOCPG, on invitation, to attend activities and ceremonies in Hong Kong as this is one of its functions in the HKSAR."
"As stated in LOCPG's official website, the main functions of LOCPG include liaising with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR and the Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army; promoting economic, educational, scientific and technological, cultural and athletic exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland; liaising with various sectors of the community of Hong Kong to enhance exchanges between the Mainland and Hong Kong; and reflecting the views of Hong Kong residents on the Mainland, etc."
"Since the establishment of the HKSAR, the HKSAR Government and the offices set up by the CPG in the HKSAR have been acting in strict accordance with the basic policies of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, as well as complying with the provisions of the Basic Law in performing their respective duties."
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