Thousands protest as Hu swears in new Hong Kong leader
03 Jul 2012
Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters marched in the streets of Hong Kong, hours following the swearing in of the city's new leader Leung Chun-ying by Chinese president, Hu Jintao, who urged him to resolve what he referred to as "deep disagreements" among the islanders.
The demonstration this year marking the end of British colonial rule in 1997, was the biggest in years as people participated in large numbers thanks to Hong Kong's laws that make it the only place in China to allow public protests.
Hundreds of police personnel were deployed to keep a watch over the proceedings at the same harbour front where Britain handed Hong Kong back to Chinese rule 15 years ago. Hu also swore in the new leader, something that also always happens on 1 July.
Though he expressed China's confidence in Hong Kong's role as a free, law-abiding society, his call to maintain unity and social harmony betrayed a growing sense of unease over recent tensions.
"While we recognise Hong Kong's achievements 15 years after the handover, we must also be conscious of the deep disagreements and problems in Hong Kong society," Hu said.
His call came amid rising instances of human rights abuse in mainland China, soaring property prices and the influx of Chinese visitors to Hong Kong in large numbers.
