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HK marks 12 years of Chinese rule HK march calls for more democracy
(about 6 hours later)
Hong Kong is marking the 12th anniversary of its handover from UK to Chinese rule with official celebrations ahead of an anti-government rally. Tens of thousands of people have marched in Hong Kong to push for more democracy on the 12th anniversary of the city's transfer to Chinese rule.
The territory's Chief Executive Donald Tsang told an audience of pro-China loyalists that Hong Kong had come through a "challenging" year. Hong Kong residents cannot directly elect the territory's chief executive or half of the legislative members.
His opponents, including disgruntled civil servants, have been gathering for an annual pro-democracy march. Earlier, Chief Executive Donald Tsang led celebrations to mark the resumption of Chinese rule after 156 years of British colonial control.
Police and organisers expect the march to be larger than previous years. He said that Hong Kong had come through a "challenging year".
"This has been a challenging year for Hong Kong," Mr Tsang said at a formal flag-raising to mark the Chinese resumption of sovereignty on 1 July 1997. In sweltering heat, a column of people marched from Victoria Park to the government's headquarters.
Numbers fell short of the 100,000 anticipated by the organisers.
Police estimated the crowd at about 26,000 people as the march began, although organisers said the crowd had swelled later to 76,000.
Beijing influence?
The rally has become an annual event at the 1 July handover anniversary, organised by pro-democracy legislators and activists.
The protesters included many young people demanding "one person, one vote" and others supporting a variety of causes.
With perseverance and determination, and most importantly with the all-out support of our country, I am sure we will again prove our resilience and mettle Donald TsangHong Kong Chief Executive Disquiet at Hong Kong status quoWith perseverance and determination, and most importantly with the all-out support of our country, I am sure we will again prove our resilience and mettle Donald TsangHong Kong Chief Executive Disquiet at Hong Kong status quo
The biggest contingent was calling for universal suffrage in the selection of the chief executive and legislature by 2012, says the BBC's Vaudine England in Hong Kong.
Beijing has said this will not happen before 2017 at the earliest.
A 796-member Beijing-backed election committee currently chooses the chief executive.
Half of the legislature is popularly elected, while the rest is chosen by interest groups.
Some of the protesters were worried that Beijing's representatives in Hong Kong may be exerting undue influence over the territory at the expense of its government.
Under the principle of "one country, two systems", China agreed to give Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy and to preserve its economic and social systems for 50 years from the date of the handover.
'Challenges'
Among the demonstrators were investors hurt in the global financial crisis who feel the government has let them down with inadequate financial regulation.
Environmental activists carried "wanted" posters, describing Mr Tsang as a "climate fugitive".
Some marchers held banners calling for action to protect the local public broadcaster, RTHK, from government reforms.
Mr Tsang presided over official celebrations in the morning that featured the flags of Hong Kong and China being simultaneously hoisted.
"Whilst the financial tsunami has impacted heavily on economies around the world, the threat of a new strain of influenza has also kept every government on high alert," he said."Whilst the financial tsunami has impacted heavily on economies around the world, the threat of a new strain of influenza has also kept every government on high alert," he said.
"Since reunification, Hong Kong has had to deal with many different challenges. During this current set of challenges, we are confident we will be able to revitalise our economy, take good care of our people, and fight against the flu pandemic," he said. "During this current set of challenges, we are confident we will be able to revitalise our economy, take good care of our people, and fight against the flu pandemic."
"With perseverance and determination, and most importantly with the all-out support of our country, I am sure we will again prove our resilience and mettle," he said in a reference to backing from Beijing.
A parade featuring acrobats and children dressed in Chinese imperial-era costumes then walked through the streets of eastern Hong Kong.A parade featuring acrobats and children dressed in Chinese imperial-era costumes then walked through the streets of eastern Hong Kong.
Disconnect
The territory's press coverage of Mr Tsang's leadership in recent months was less glowing, says the BBC's Vaudine England in Hong Kong.
Reports focused on how Mr Tsang has awarded government "stars" to favoured loyalists in the ruling circle, on how doctors saw the government's actions against swine flu as an expensive over-reaction, and how the march will be joined by a broad cross-section of civil society groups.
Officials and police have admitted they expect a large turnout at the afternoon anti-government demonstration. Organisers say they expect at least 100,000 people to join the now traditional event.
Half-a-million people marched on this day in 2003, helping to depose then-Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa.
Hong Kong was handed from British to Chinese rule in 1997 under an international treaty in which China committed to maintaining Hong Kong's rule of law and freedoms.
The government delayed consultations on democratic reforms earlier this year.
Are you in Hong Kong? Are you taking part in either the official celebrations or the pro-democracy march? Send us your comments and pictures.Are you in Hong Kong? Are you taking part in either the official celebrations or the pro-democracy march? Send us your comments and pictures.
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