The very different treatment state-run media gave to visits to Shenzhen by two officials reflects a behind-the-scenes power struggle over the issue of Hong Kong.
For the first time a member of a band of agitators, who have operated for years in Hong Kong on behalf of a branch of the Chinese secret police, has been handed a criminal sentence for her conduct.
The replacement of the garrison commander in Hong Kong appears to be another step taken by Xi Jinping to purge the military of officers loyal to Jiang Zemin.
As soon as Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying arrived at a question-and-answer session at the Legislative Council, more than 20 pan-democratic councilors got up and walked out.