Protests as China premier meets HK leaders
by Reuters
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Chinese president Hu Jintao meets with outgoing Hong Kong chief executive Donald Tsang…
..but pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong take to the streets to condemn his visit.
Hu's in Hong Kong on a three-day visit marking the 15th anniversary of the former British colony's return to China.
He will also oversee the swearing in of new leader Leung Chun-ying - appointed by China - on Sunday.
But critics, like pro-democracy activist Leung Kwok-Hung - better known as Long Hair - accuse Beijing of excessive meddling in Hong Kong's affairs.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRO-DEMOCRACY LEGISLATOR, LEUNG KWOK-HUNG, "LONG HAIR", SAYING:
"I think it's a slap in the face of the Hong Kong people. We don't like the Beijing government hand pick our leaders."
Meanwhile, members of the Falun Gong spiritual movement, driven underground in China after being declared a cult in 1999, also staged a silent protest against Hu's visit.
The man himself did not seem too concerned - later signing a guest book at Government House and posing with the outgoing and incoming Hong Kong leaders and their spouses before an official dinner banquet.
Hu is also scheduled to lead Leung Chun-ying's inaugural ceremony on Sunday.
Sunita Rappai Reuters
..but pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong take to the streets to condemn his visit.
Hu's in Hong Kong on a three-day visit marking the 15th anniversary of the former British colony's return to China.
He will also oversee the swearing in of new leader Leung Chun-ying - appointed by China - on Sunday.
But critics, like pro-democracy activist Leung Kwok-Hung - better known as Long Hair - accuse Beijing of excessive meddling in Hong Kong's affairs.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRO-DEMOCRACY LEGISLATOR, LEUNG KWOK-HUNG, "LONG HAIR", SAYING:
"I think it's a slap in the face of the Hong Kong people. We don't like the Beijing government hand pick our leaders."
Meanwhile, members of the Falun Gong spiritual movement, driven underground in China after being declared a cult in 1999, also staged a silent protest against Hu's visit.
The man himself did not seem too concerned - later signing a guest book at Government House and posing with the outgoing and incoming Hong Kong leaders and their spouses before an official dinner banquet.
Hu is also scheduled to lead Leung Chun-ying's inaugural ceremony on Sunday.
Sunita Rappai Reuters