In what is seen as further evidence of its determination and sincerity in facilitating universal suffrage in the Hong Kong SAR, the central government has invited representatives from different sectors across Hong Kong society, including legislators from the opposition camp, to discuss relevant issues with top officials from Beijing.

To the disappointment of the public, on the eve of meetings held in Shenzhen on Thursday and Friday, the 26 legislators representing the opposition camp signed a new undertaking. They vowed, in a high-profile manner, to veto any reform proposals for the 2017 Chief Executive election which does not comply with "international standards".

The deliberate gesture was no doubt intended to be a confrontational one. It has virtually shut the door to further consultation. It also boosts the public perception that political radicals are determined to advance their agenda by grabbing the power to rule Hong Kong. It also shows they are going all out to control the administration of the SAR at any price. This includes derailing the city's moves to introduce constitutional reform.

This emphasizes the need for Hong Kong to adhere to the Basic Law and relevant decisions by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) in implementing universal suffrage in the SAR. This was reiterated by Deputy Secretary-General of the NPCSC and Basic Law Committee Chairman Li Fei, in his discussions with the Hong Kong representatives in Shenzhen on Thursday.

This is the only true legal basis on which the SAR can pursue universal suffrage. It is also an effective mechanism to thwart the actions of political radicals. Some of these radicals have colluded with external forces and invited foreign interference into Hong Kong's internal affairs under the disguise of "international standards".

Implementing universal suffrage within this legal framework is meant to ensure the SAR will be administered only by patriots. There is no way that the central government will make any concession on this. It is a matter of national security and the national interest.

Confrontation is unlikely to do anyone any good. It will only hinder the smooth implementation of universal suffrage in the SAR, further divide society, and inflict damage on the economy to the detriment of all citizens.

This will have severe consequences for society. The subsequent political backlash will have serious consequences for the political extremists. Radical legislators risk being condemned by history if they crush Hong Kong people's aspirations for democratic advancement by violating their constitutional duties as lawmakers in the SAR.

(HK Edition 08/22/2014 page9)