Speaking out: National People's Congress Standing Committee Deputy Secretary-General Qiao Xiaoyang attends a forum on the Hong Kong's constitutional development in Shenzhen.

National People's Congress Standing Committee Deputy Secretary-General Qiao Xiaoyang says Hong Kong people should deal separately with the Government's package on constitutional development, and a timetable for universal suffrage.

Speaking after a forum on the city's political reform in Shenzhen today, Mr Qiao described the forum as harmonious, and said the discussions were rational.

Noting supporters of the political reform package outnumbered the opponents, Mr Qiao said he understood Hong Kong people's aspiration for a timetable for full democracy.

He said the two views are not contradictory, adding time is needed for reaching a consensus on the timetable. The issue should be handled in accordance with the Basic Law and Hong Kong's actual situation.

Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam said various sectors expressed their views on political development at today's forum.