From The Standard:
In an unprecedented move that has renewed speculation that Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa may step down before his term expires in mid-2007, Beijing authorities have signaled their intention to appoint him to a senior mainland position often given to officials near retirement.
Tung on Sunday was among 10 Hong Kong officials nominated to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) – the top advisory body to the central government leadership.
According to sources in Beijing, Tung was also nominated as vice-chairman of the CPPCC. If elected and he accepts the post, he will be one of 25 vice-chairmen. This, they say, could strengthen his position in his final two years in office – or it could be a face-saving way for the embattled leader to step down if the governance crisis escalates. Beijing sources say Tung offered to resign following the July 2003 protest march, but this was rejected by mainland leaders.
