While Mr. Zhang is ostensibly visiting to speak at an economic conference today, the trip is widely seen as a bid to take the temperature in an increasingly divided city with a fledgling independence movement. It has infuriated opponents, critical of a massive security operation that involves thousands of police and barricades pro testers into designated areas out of Mr. Zhang's sight. Police shoved back protesters gathered near the residence of the city's leader last night where Mr. Zhang was due to have dinner. Seven members of pro-democracy political party the League of Social Demo crats were arrested earlier after putting up protest banners, with three still detained. A leading pro-democracy activist was also wrestled to the ground by police outside Mr. Zhang's hotel.