Hong Kong celebrates 10 years of Chinese rule

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-profile officials from Britain were 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.   

Since the handover, activists have been calling for full democracy in the city, where citizens do not have the right to choose their own leaders and only half the legislature is directly elected. The lack of political progress in the global financial hub has sparked mass public protests in the past, with half a million people taking to the streets in 2004.   

On Sunday tens of thousands of demonstrators bearing banners that read, "we want democracy," and "one person, one vote" marched to the government's headquarters.    Hong Kong's former deputy leader Anson Chan and Cardinal Joseph Zen, the head of the Catholic church in the territory, were among the high-profile figures who joined the demonstration. Organisers said 68,000 people had taken part, 10,000 more than in 2006, while police said they had counted 20,000 so far.   

Demonstrator Dick Cheung, 56, said he believed he had a responsibility to come out and fight for universal suffrage. "We have the right to democracy. If we have no right to choose our leaders we will not have any control over them if they make mistakes," said Cheung.   

Members of Falun Gong, outlawed in China as a dangerous sect, also took part after earlier accusing the Hong Kong government of denying entry to more than 450 of its members travelling from Taiwan to protest.  Hu missed the march, having returned to the mainland after presiding over the opening of a new crossing that links the territory with the Chinese boomtown of Shenzhen.  "We were disappointed that Hu didn't stay and hear what the Hong Kong people are asking for. He didn't want to open his heart and ears and listen to people's aspirations for democracy," said Jackie Hung of organisers the Civil Human Rights Front.   

Sunday's celebrations began with a flag-raising ceremony to the sound of the national anthem, played by a police band. About 1,000 people, including Tsang in his trademark bow tie, former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa and British Consul-General Stephen Bradley looked on as the five-starred red Chinese flag went up beside Hong Kong's red and white flag.   

Later, thousands of people, some dressed in Chinese national costumes, took part in a parade to celebrate Hong Kong's first decade under Chinese rule. Marching bands, drummers and dragon dancers paraded through the streets of central Hong Kong as the rain held off, in defiance of forecasters' predictions. The day of celebrations was to end with a colourful fireworks display over Victoria Harbour, with the words "Chinese people" spelled out in glittering lights.   

Police kept pro-democracy activists at bay during the Chinese president's rare visit to Hong Kong. However, scuffles broke out Saturday between police and protesters, and independent pro-democracy lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung held a protest outside the swearing-in ceremony after he was refused admission.  Surrounded by a small number of supporters and an army of police officers, Leung burned his invitation in protest at being turned away.