Chinese president Hu Jintao traveled to Hong Kong for the swearing in of the territory’s new chief executive, Leung Chun-ying, and to mark the 15th anniversary of the territory’s handover from the UK to mainland China, The Wall Street Journal reported. To counter Hu’s visit, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets to demonstrate against Beijing’s influence. Hu praised the success of the “one country, two systems” method of governing, but cautioned that “[w]e have to be aware of the fact that there remains deep conflicts and problems in Hong Kong society, which could affect Hong Kong’s long-term development over the next five years.” Protesters marched in the streets after the ceremony to protest Beijing’s alleged interference in the territory’s politics, as well as the mainland’s lack of democracy and human rights record. Leung is widely viewed as being closely aligned with Beijing’s interests.
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