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Hu to lead Hong Kong celebrations

Beijing: Chinese President Hu Jintao will visit Hong Kong, the former British colony, this week to lead the gala celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of the return of the territory to Chinese sovereignty, it was announced here on Tuesday.

Mr. Hu, also General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) will visit Hong Kong from June 29 to July 1. He will “attend a mass gathering marking the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the mainland and the inaugural ceremony of the third-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government,” said the announcement.

Hong Kong, a leading regional financial and commercial centre, embraced Chinese sovereignty on July 1, 1997 under the “One Country, Two Systems” formula enunciated by Chinese leader, Deng Xiaoping. Under this, China has promised to retain the existing social systems in Hong Kong for 50 years and decide only on matters like national defence and foreign policy.

Commenting on the coming events, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said the return of Hong Kong to the embrace of the motherland marks the end of colonial reign in Hong Kong. “This is something that all Chinese people, including the Hong Kong compatriots should be proud of.”

Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang said in a statement he was “greatly honoured” to have the President and national leaders present for the inauguration ceremony and other celebrations.

In contrast to the 1997 handover ceremony attended by Prince Charles, the 10th anniversary celebrations will be low-key and do not include any invitations for foreign dignitaries. Protestors are planning their own events to mark July 1 event. Hong Kong was a British colony for 156 years. — Agencies

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