They picked him for his bureaucratic track record and popularity. However, unlike former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa, Tsang has no personal ties or family connections with Beijing's leaders. What he has is his own proven track record and popular support in Hong Kong.

Giving the Beijing leaders a first good impression is the utmost challenge for the new Hong Kong leader. He should draw a clear-cut answer from today's meeting on how much they trust him.

One source said that during this morning's session with Wen, Tsang will deliver an exhaustively prepared presentation on political, economic and social circumstances in the SAR.

Tsang is also to describe his two-week election campaign, which gave him more direct contact with the public. As Hu and Wen eat in canteens and attempt to meet common citizens on their trips to the hinterland, this attempt to go to the people should bring Tsang and his bosses closer together.

Tsang will not downplay the SAR's public aspirations for full democracy but will point out the people's pragmatic wishes for stable and harmonious livelihood. He is expected to elaborate on the feasibility of expanding the Commission on Strategic Development to foster greater political participation before the onset of full democracy.

The new chief executive is expected to speak at length on revamping and strengthening the roles of chief secretary for administration and financial secretary for better coordination and team spirit.

Certainly, Tsang and the aides who accompanied him to Beijing were discreet and tight-lipped last night over the confidential meeting in the Daioyutai Guest House with Zang Qinghong, the vice president overseeing Hong Kong and Macau policy.

Political reform for the 2007 and 2008 elections topped the agenda in Thursday afternoon's closed-door meeting with Liao Hui, the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, two sources said. The Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung and Stephen Lam, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, will congratulate Tsang on his swearing-in ceremony but shied away from discussions about preparations for a thorough dialogue with their Beijing counterparts on the proposed model for public consultation this autumn.

No surprises are expected in today's swearing-in ceremonies, with Tsang wearing his trademark bow tie and broad smiles. The new chief executive was greeted with loud applause and flashing cameras when Premier Wen Jiabao signed his appointment paper in the People's Great Hall Tuesday. But the one-hour closed-door meeting with Wen afterwards and another separate meeting with President Hu Jintao today are Tsang's prime tests.

Despite being labeled as Beijing's favorite, Tsang acknowledged Tuesday that he lacks the ability to network at the top echelons in Beijing, pledging to find more acquaintances in the corridors of national power.

Unlike their predecessors' relationship with Tung, the fourth generation leaders prefer a formal, business-like and pragmatic way to show assurances and accord. Thus, this Beijing trip signifies not only the confirmation of power for the coming two years, but is also crucial for Tsang to build personal trust and rapport.