Hong Kong

People's Daily editorial marks HK's 10th anniversary

BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The People's Daily, the flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will run an editorial headlined "Great Conception and Successful Implementation" on Sunday to mark the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.
Hailing the "one country, two systems" policy, the editorial says Hong Kong has enjoyed a high degree of autonomy and witnessed continuous prosperity and stability in the decade since it returned to the motherland.
Over the past decade, the central government "unswervingly" implemented the policies of "one country, two systems" and "Hong Kong people govern Hong Kong" and went all out to shore up the development of Hong Kong, the editorial says.
The decade has witnessed that Hong Kong's role as a prosperous free port, a center of international finance, trade and shipping, and a most free and opening economy of the world remains undiminished, it says.
Noting that the mainland's development has helped drive Hong Kong's economy, the editorial says the special administrative region has also contributed to the mainland's economic growth by serving as a platform for the mainland to attract international investment, technology and managing experience.
The editorial also urges Hong Kong people to seek common ground while reserving difference and make united efforts for a brighter future.

View from Hong Kong

The red-letter date of July 1, 2007 marks a milestone as the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). This historic day is a uniquely memorable moment for our country as a whole, but especially for the people of Hong Kong. The 10th anniversary has been keenly anticipated, presenting a golden opportunity to review our past challenges and successes, while looking forward to a bright and prosperous future.
Hong Kong’s celebrations calendar runs from April through to December. The 460 events run by Government and non-Government organisations cover a wide variety, from ceremonial and cultural occasions to exhibitions and conferences. I am very happy to see that the pride of the population is being expressed in many activities at the district level, which will provide ample opportunities for members of the community to enjoy the spirit of the 10th anniversary celebrations.
The big day itself promises to be a mix of a ceremonial and celebratory events, including a flag-raising ceremony, a parade, carnivals and, of course, a spectacular fireworks display to light up the night sky in a blaze of colour.
At the heart of all the events and celebrations is recognition of the success of ‘One Country, Two Systems’. In the decade since our reunification with the Mainland, this concept has grown from an untested idea into a living, breathing reality. Hong Kong people are running Hong Kong with the high degree of autonomy that was promised. And the Central People’s Government has been unwavering in its commitment to make this happen.
Underpinned by the Basic Law, our freedoms and lifestyle, and our legal, social and economic systems remain a vital and integral part of our lives. With our famous can-do spirit, we continue to thrive and prosper; we continue to increase and cement our links with the Motherland, while maintaining our position as an international financial, trading, logistics and tourism hub in Asia.
The 10th Anniversary is a joyous event for the whole of Hong Kong and involves everyone. I deeply appreciate the time, energy and commitment that many people are devoting to the anniversary celebrations and events. With such broad support and encouragement from many different strata and sectors of society I am sure that the 10th anniversary celebrations will be a resounding success.

Donald TsangChief ExecutiveHong Kong Special Administrative Region


Voice of America

Chinese President Hu Jintao is leading celebrations in Hong Kong to mark the 10th anniversary of its reunification with China. The Chinese leader says democracy is growing in the territory but did not specify when the city would have universal suffrage. VOA's Heda Bayron reports from Hong Kong.
The territory kicked off July 1 with a flag-raising ceremony at the site of the historic change of sovereignty 10 years ago.
Hong Kong is celebrating with colorful parades, variety shows, and fireworks.
But alongside the grand government-organized celebrations, tens of thousands of Hong Kong residents are expected to march for democracy Sunday. As in the last four years, the protesters demand the right to directly elect their leaders.
In his speech Sunday morning, Chinese President Hu Jintao says democracy in Hong Kong is growing in an orderly way.
But he did not mention any timetable for universal suffrage.
Mr. Hu says the central government will remain committed to the principle of "one country, two systems" and a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong.
The "one country, two systems" arrangement lets Hong Kong keep its capitalist economy and Western-style courts and civil liberties. China's ruling Communist Party has say over the city's political structure.
The city's top leader, the chief executive, is selected by about 800 voters approved by Beijing, and half the city's legislature is directly elected by the public.
A new Hong Kong cabinet was also sworn in Sunday.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang says his government will be "more open" and more democratic". Tsang, who originally took office two years ago after his predecessor resigned, promised to introduce proposals on a democracy roadmap during his term.
He also promised to do more to address concerns of a growing income gap, worsening pollution and heritage preservation.
Until the handover to China in 1997, Britain ruled Hong Kong for 156 years.

UK Footnote

No senior official from Britain was invited to join the commemorations of the day the Prince of Wales ans the last governor, Lord Patten, brought down the Union Flag and sailed away in the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Instead, the consul-general, Stephen Bradley, attended a flag-raising ceremony yesterday morning.