Mass protests as Hong Kong marks 15 years under China

[Rajaraja Chola]

The BBC's Juliana Liu and legislator Albert Chan Wai-yip explain why the protests are taking place

Thousands of pro-democracy marchers are on the streets of Hong Kong as the former British colony marks 15 years since the return to Chinese rule.

The rally takes place annually in support of human rights, but has been bolstered by anger towards Beijing.

Earlier, China's visiting President Hu Jintao swore in businessman CY Leung as the territory's new leader.

During the ceremony, a lone heckler tried to interrupt Mr Hu's speech.

On the streets outside, massive crowds beat drums and waved flags as they marched though the city to call for full democracy and express their frustration with the mainland.

One of the main complaints is that the system used to choose Hong Kong's leader is designed to install Beijing's choice.

A so-called electoral college of 1,200 business leaders and other influential citizens, mostly loyal to Beijing, selects the leader.

"China's way of thinking is totally different from ours," 46-year-old protester Bono Lay told the Associated Press.

Choreographed visit

At the swearing-in ceremony, Mr Hu offered "warm congratulations" to the 57-year-old Mr Leung and his team and described the 15th anniversary as a "joyous occasion".

He reiterated Beijing's commitment to the "one country, two systems" policy whereby Hong Kongers are allowed many more political freedoms than Chinese people on the mainland.

Mr Hu continued the address despite an interruption by a member of the crowd, who was heard calling for a condemnation of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and an end to one-party rule in China.

The man, who was a guest at the inauguration ceremony, was quickly bundled out of the harbourfront building by security.(poor guy)

The BBC's Juliana Liu, in Hong Kong, says Mr Hu's visit has been carefully choreographed.

But on Saturday police had to shield the president from demonstrators, and officers used pepper spray to disperse crowds who were demanding an investigation into the death in China of a Tiananmen activist, Li Wangyang, last month.

Our correspondent says the expression of discontent is a far cry from Mr Hu's last visit five years ago, when he toured Hong Kong in a blaze of pre-Olympic glory.

His visit comes as public confidence in the Beijing government has fallen to a new low.

People are unhappy with record property prices, an increasing wealth gap, a lack of democracy and a string of political scandals, our correspondent says.

Hong Kong, a British colony until 1997, has a comparatively high degree of autonomy from Beijing.

But China's leaders in Beijing have resisted public pressure for full democracy in the city.

Mr Leung replaces Donald Tsang, who took office in 2005.

BBC News - Mass protests as Hong Kong marks 15 years under China

 

[Imran Khan]

President Hu attends HKSAR's 15th anniversary celebrations
English.news.cn 2012-07-01 17:51:39
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Chinese President Hu Jintao attends a gathering marking the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China and the swearing-in ceremony of the fourth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2012. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- President Hu Jintao attended a gathering here for the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China and the swearing-in ceremony of the fourth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Sunday morning.

Hu, arriving in Hong Kong Friday, was present at the inauguration ceremony in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, overseeing Leung Chun-ying to be sworn in as the new HKSAR chief executive.

Principal officials of the fourth-term HKSAR government and members of the Executive Council also took their oaths.

The central government will unswervingly give its full support to the chief executive and government of the HKSAR in administering Hong Kong pursuant to law, while working with the local residents to maintain and promote the long-term prosperity and stability of the territory, Hu said at the ceremony.

Hu said the central government will remain committed to the principles of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, and tagged advancing the cause of "one country, two systems" as the shared mission of the central government and the government of the HKSAR.

Leung, who is to turn 58 next month, said during the next five years of his tenure, he and his government will focus on addressing major issues, such as sustaining economic growth, expanding job opportunities, offering more public housing and other items concerning people's livelihood.

Dressing in dark suit and red tie, Leung called his standing for election "a humbling experience" and vowed to honor the pledges he had made - to uphold justice, protect the rights of the people, safeguard the rule of law, clean government, freedom and democracy and take an inclusive approach towards different opinions and views.

In spite of many challenges, Leung said the new HKSAR government could "resolve the conflicts that exist in our society and clashes that may arise from different values or political ideologies."

Tung Chee-hwa, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference who also served as the first HKSAR chief executive, and Leung's predecessor Donald Tsang were also present at the ceremony as witnesses.

President Hu wrapped up his tightly-scheduled three-day trip after the ceremony. Before his departure, he met with Leung and the new leaders of the executive, legislative and judicial bodies of the HKSAR separately.

Hu expressed confidence in Leung, believing he will lead the new HKSAR government to seek changes while preserving stability, unite the people of all sectors in Hong Kong and work together to further advance the city's development.

While meeting principal officials of the fourth-term HKSAR government, members of the Executive Council, president of the Legislative Council and chief justice of the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong, Hu urged them to administer the city according to law, strictly abide by and implement the Basic Law while remaining honest and efficient.

The celebrations on Sunday began with a flag-raising ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square, with an audience of some 3,000, including Tsang, Leung and principal officials of the HKSAR government.

Special Report: 15th Anniversary of HKSAR's Return to Motherland Marked


President Hu attends HKSAR's 15th anniversary celebrations - Xinhua | English.news.cn

People watch fireworks to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland in Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2012. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

 

[Imran Khan]

 

[Backbencher]

The BBC's Juliana Liu and legislator Albert Chan Wai-yip explain why the protests are taking place

Thousands of pro-democracy marchers are on the streets of Hong Kong as the former British colony marks 15 years since the return to Chinese rule.

The rally takes place annually in support of human rights, but has been bolstered by anger towards Beijing.

Earlier, China's visiting President Hu Jintao swore in businessman CY Leung as the territory's new leader.

During the ceremony, a lone heckler tried to interrupt Mr Hu's speech.

On the streets outside, massive crowds beat drums and waved flags as they marched though the city to call for full democracy and express their frustration with the mainland.

One of the main complaints is that the system used to choose Hong Kong's leader is designed to install Beijing's choice.

A so-called electoral college of 1,200 business leaders and other influential citizens, mostly loyal to Beijing, selects the leader.

"China's way of thinking is totally different from ours," 46-year-old protester Bono Lay told the Associated Press.

Choreographed visit

At the swearing-in ceremony, Mr Hu offered "warm congratulations" to the 57-year-old Mr Leung and his team and described the 15th anniversary as a "joyous occasion".

He reiterated Beijing's commitment to the "one country, two systems" policy whereby Hong Kongers are allowed many more political freedoms than Chinese people on the mainland.

Mr Hu continued the address despite an interruption by a member of the crowd, who was heard calling for a condemnation of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and an end to one-party rule in China.

The man, who was a guest at the inauguration ceremony, was quickly bundled out of the harbourfront building by security.(poor guy)

The BBC's Juliana Liu, in Hong Kong, says Mr Hu's visit has been carefully choreographed.

But on Saturday police had to shield the president from demonstrators, and officers used pepper spray to disperse crowds who were demanding an investigation into the death in China of a Tiananmen activist, Li Wangyang, last month.

Our correspondent says the expression of discontent is a far cry from Mr Hu's last visit five years ago, when he toured Hong Kong in a blaze of pre-Olympic glory.

His visit comes as public confidence in the Beijing government has fallen to a new low.

People are unhappy with record property prices, an increasing wealth gap, a lack of democracy and a string of political scandals, our correspondent says.

Hong Kong, a British colony until 1997, has a comparatively high degree of autonomy from Beijing.

But China's leaders in Beijing have resisted public pressure for full democracy in the city.

Mr Leung replaces Donald Tsang, who took office in 2005.

BBC News - Mass protests as Hong Kong marks 15 years under China

This clearly shows that hong kong is not happy being under the governmance of beijing .
They are realizing the benefits of democracy .
I see a bright future for hong kong

 

[Rajaraja Chola]

Imran bhai its govt sponsored celebration for new premier appointed by communist!!

 

[Imran Khan]

Fireworks light up the sky during a fireworks show to mark the 15th anniversary of the Hong Kong's return to China in Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2012. (Xinhua/Chen Xiaowei)

Fireworks light up the sky during a fireworks show to mark the 15th anniversary of the Hong Kong's return to China in Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2012. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

 

[Rajaraja Chola]

At the Scene

Juliana Liu
BBC News, Hong Kong

There was a carnival atmosphere, with pro-democracy political parties chanting slogans. Members of civic groups showed off their singing and dancing skills. And supporters of the Falun Gong spiritual group, which is banned in mainland China, sat peacefully in the lotus position, before joining in the protest with their marching band.

Elaine Mok, a demonstrator who took part with her extended family, told me she marches nearly every year in order to fight for justice and the rule of law, and to oppose mainland interference in Hong Kong affairs. They were there, she said, to remind their Chinese overlords that Hong Kong people want the right to vote, as promised when this city returned to mainland rule.

Most of the protesters were professionals like Ms Mok. Some families brought their young children. A broad cross-section of Hong Kong society gathered to agitate against one-party rule in China and to demand the right to universal suffrage, which people here increasingly believe is their natural birthright.

 

[Imran Khan]

Flag-raising ceremony held for HK's 15th anniversary
Updated: 2012-07-01 14:24
( Xinhua)
Comments(0) Print Mail Large Medium Small
0

HONG KONG - About 3,000 people attended a flag-raising ceremony at Hong Kong's Golden Bauhinia Square Sunday morning to mark the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Hong Kong's new chief executive Leung Chun-ying and senior government officials attended the ceremony, joined by guests including community leaders, members of community groups and uniformed groups.

Flag-raising ceremony held for HK's 15th anniversary

Guards raise the Chinese national flag, right, and the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Hong Kong, July 1, 2012. A flag-raising ceremony is held at Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. [Photo/Xinhua]

Guard of Honor of the Disciplined Services and the Flag and Escort Parties marched in the square with the music played by the Hong Kong Police Band. At 8 a.m., the national flag and the regional flag were hoisted up amid the National Anthem, while all attendees stood up in solemn silence.

The ceremony was followed by a sea parade and a fly-past by the disciplined services. The square was brimmed over with cheer and jubilance.

"Happy anniversary!" Hong Kong citizen Wong Kwai Ha said joyfully, adding that it was heartening to join the magnificent ceremony in the morning of the HKSAR's 15th birthday.

Wong wished her home city an even more prosperous future. She said she has full confidence in the new term of the SAR government.

Ping Yi, a 24-year-old tourist from Hubei Province, was on a ride of the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Wanchai during the ceremony and was able to view the flag raising. "It was an exciting moment," she said. "People from Hong Kong and Mainland are of one family."

Flag-raising ceremony held for HK's 15th anniversary

Visitors and Hong Kong residents wave Chinese national flags and HKSAR flags during the flag-raising ceremony in Hong Kong, July 1, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

The official daily flag raising ceremony is held at the Golden Bauhinia Square and conducted by the Hong Kong Police Force, which has become a tourist attraction.

The square was named after the giant statue of a golden Bauhinia blakeana at the center of the area, situated outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wanchai, where the ceremonies for the return of Hong Kong and the establishment of the HKSAR were held in July 1997.

Flag-raising ceremony held for HK's 15th anniversary[1]|chinadaily.com.cn

 

[Rajaraja Chola]

protest in HK

people protesting Tiananmen square killings in Hong Kong

 

[OrionHunter]

The BBC's Juliana Liu and legislator Albert Chan Wai-yip explain why the protests are taking place

Thousands of pro-democracy marchers are on the streets of Hong Kong as the former British colony marks 15 years since the return to Chinese rule.

The rally takes place annually in support of human rights, but has been bolstered by anger towards Beijing.

Ah! So what do we have here? The list of those pissed off with China is now as long as my hand...

Hong Kong
Xinjiang
Tibet
Japan
South Korea
Taiwan
India
Philippines
Indonesia
Vietnam
US of A
Australia
Brunei
Malaysia

Who's next?

 

[Rajaraja Chola]

 

[Imran Khan]

 

[Fanling Monk]

This clearly shows that hong kong is not happy being under the governmance of beijing .
They are realizing the benefits of democracy .
I see a bright future for hong kong

We are not happy? How do you know? By one picture in a small rally?

Check the pictures Mr. Imran Khan posted. Our future is already here so there is no need to speak for us.

 

[Imran Khan]

Hu attends HK's 15th return anniversary celebration
Updated: 2012-07-01 09:28
( Xinhua)
Comments(4) Print Mail Large Medium Small
2

HONG KONG - President Hu Jintao arrived at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center Sunday morning to attend a gathering marking the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China and the swearing-in ceremony of the fourth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Special: HKSAR marks 15th Anniversary

Hu attends HK's 15th return anniversary celebration

Guards raise the Chinese national flag, right, and the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Hong Kong, July 1, 2012. A flag-raising ceremony is held at Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. [Photo/Xinhua]



Hu attends HK's 15th return anniversary celebration

Helicopters with the Chinese national flag, right, and the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region fly over Golden Bauhinia Square during the flag-raising ceremony in Hong Kong July 1, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

 

[Rajaraja Chola]

We are not happy? How do you know? By one picture in a small rally?

Check the pictures Mr. Imran Khan posted. Our future is already here so there is no need to speak for us.

From the same google i can post 100's of pictures too.. But its a waste of time, instead of discussing the topic at hand...