Hong Kong Holds Big Protest as New Leader Sworn In

2 July 2012

A pro-democracy heckler interrupted a speech by Chinese President Hu Jintao at the swearing-in of Hong Kong’s new leader Sunday and tens of thousands of residents marched to protest Chinese rule on the 15th anniversary of the Asian financial hub’s return to Beijing’s control. While much of the discontent revolves around growing economic inequality and stunted democratic development, Hong Kongers are also upset over what they see as arrogant Chinese behavior. In the ceremony, millionaire Leung Chun-ying became Hong Kong’s third chief executive.—AP