Respect called key to reform talks

Opposition lawmakers in Hong Kong were advised to show respect for central authorities and China's Constitution if they want a more fruitful exchange with Beijing on future electoral reform.

Lau Kong-wah, the undersecretary for constitutional and mainland affairs in Hong Kong, made clear to local lawmakers at a meeting on Wednesday of the Legislative Council that the administration of Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying will not revisit the political debate before his term ends in June 2017.

For the same reason, the Hong Kong government will not establish a cross-party platform to further address and sort out disputes over the failed reform.