On July 1 self-made millionaire Leung Chun-ying was sworn in as Hong Kong’s new top official by Chinese President Hu Jintao. The day marked the 15th anniversary of the handover from Britain to China, and tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to vent complaints about rising inequity, the slow pace of political reform and fears of the growing influence of mainland China on the semi-autonomous city
Hong Kong: Anger and Protest as City Marks 15 Years Since Its Return to China
Aaron Tam / AFP / Getty Images
Child performers dressed in Chinese opera costumes and in makeup watch members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) march during a variety show celebrating the 15th anniversary of the handover in Hong Kong Stadium on July 1. Thousands of jubilant people waving Hong Kong and Chinese national flags endured hot summer weather to watch performances by local singers and members of the PLA Parachute Brigade as Hong Kong installed a new leader and marked 15 years of Chinese rule at a time of strong anti-Beijing sentiment
