Rumors of Hong Kong chief's resignation persist

Analysts in Hong Kong warned that China's one country-two systems formula could be at risk if it transpired that the special administrative region's chief executive was being replaced on Beijing orders. The warning came as rumors of Tung Chee Hwa's impending resignation continued circulating in news reports for a second day. Unpopular with much of Hong Kong's populace, Tung has been criticized for mishandling various crises, including the 2003 SARS outbreak. Although Beijing has long stood by Tung, its growing impatience manifested itself recently when President Hu Jintao took the unusual step of criticizing him publicly.