Hong Kong celebrates 10th anniversary of its handover to China

Hong Kong celebrates 10th anniversary of its handover to China
HONG KONG (AP): Hong Kong's red flag was raised into a cloudy blue sky Sunday as the former British colony marked the 10th anniversary of its handover to China and bid farewell to a rocky decade of financial woes, disease outbreaks, massive protests and economic recovery.
The next 10 years could be just as challenging for the bustling city on southern China's coast. Hong Kong will likely grapple with democratic reform and face growing competition from other Asian cities threatening its position as a global business capital.
A few hundred people stood near Hong Kong's harbor to watch the flag-raising event attended by dignitaries near the turtle-shaped convention center built for the 1997 handover ceremony. A band played China's national anthem, "March of the Volunteers," and the crowd erupted with cheers when four helicopters pulling Hong Kong and Chinese flags flew over the area, leaving a stream of red smoke.
"We're here to celebrate Hong Kong's birthday," said 12-year-old Jenny Kwok.
An hour later, Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang and his Cabinet were sworn in for a new term. Tsang, a bow tie-wearing veteran civil servant, got the blessings of Chinese leader Hu Jintao, making hisfirst presidential trip to the city.
Tsang gave a speech that repeated his pledge to create a more democratic system. He said his administration would produce a green paper that would map out the "model for democratic elections."
The Chinese president spoke after Tsang and praised the city for meeting the past decade's challenges. He also said Hong Kong's "democracy is growing in an orderly way," but he didn't clearlystate when he thought the city should have full democracy. (***)