Hong Kong celebrates 10 years of Chinese rule
Afp, Hong Kong
Hong Kong on Sunday celebrated 10 years under Chinese rule with pomp and circumstance, but tens of thousands of pro-democracy campaigners also gathered to call for sweeping political reform. The city's chief executive Donald Tsang and his new cabinet were sworn in before Chinese President Hu Jintao at the start of a jam-packed day of events to mark the anniversary of the handover of the former British colony. But in stark contrast to July 1, 1997 -- when the last colonial governor Chris Patten, Prince Charles and then prime minister Tony Blair were on hand -- no high-ranking British officials have been invited to participate. On that day, British dignitaries sailed out of Victoria Harbour in driving rain, ending 155 years of British rule over Hong Kong and launching a new era for the city as a Chinese territory. Tsang, a 62-year-old former civil servant, promised greater democracy for Hong Kong as he was sworn in for a second term as leader. But Hu said political change should be "gradual," stressing that Hong Kong had enjoyed "extensive democratic rights and freedoms” and a "high degree of autonomy" in its first decade under Chinese rule.
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Passengers sit on tram as demonstrators march for democracy during the 10th handover anniversary of Hong Kong to China yesterday. Thousands of people took part in a protest march in Hong Kong to call for universal suffrage. PHOTO: AFP |
