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Hong Kong will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the handover from British to Chinese rule today, as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits the territory for the first time as head of state.
Key points:
- Celebrations will be held to mark 20 years since the handover
- Military parades held today were the largest ever held in Hong Kong
- Pro-democracy activists are threatening a 100,000-strong protest
But tensions are running high — many say China has failed to live up to the promise of allowing democracy and freedoms in Hong Kong, and massive demonstrations are planned.
In the semi autonomous province of Hong Kong, Mr Xi, dressed in army greens, inspected 3,000 People's Liberation Army troops.
It was the largest Chinese military parade the city had ever seen, a clear sign that Beijing is tightening its grip over Hong Kong.
Mr Xi said it was all about ensuring stability and prosperity.
"We are willing, together with different sectors of Hong Kong society, to look back on Hong Kong's unusual course in the past 20 years," he told the crowds.
"[We are willing to] draw conclusions from the experience, look into the future and to ensure 'one country, two systems' is stable and has a far-reaching future."
But Hong Kong is a very divided city.
Ahead of Mr Xi's arrival, 26 pro-democracy activist were arrested and detained for trying to scale an iconic statue symbolising the take-over.
They were released early Friday morning.
Democracy activists plan huge protest
Pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong said the "one country two systems" model — agreed to by China 20 years ago to ensure greater freedoms and democracy — has been delayed and denied.
Tanya Chan, an elected Hong Kong politician, said she wanted Beijing to stop interfering in Hong Kong.
Two of her colleagues were barred from taking office last year because of their pro-independence stance.
"First give us our democracy second believe in the Hong Kong people and thirdly stop destroying 'one country, two systems,'" she said.
Tensions are set to increase, as the pro-democracy groups threaten to bring 100,000 people onto the streets for the 20th anniversary celebrations later today.
They want the right to elect Hong Kong's leader: currently Hong Kong's Chief Executive is elected by an electoral college of 1,200, stacked with pro-Beijing members.
Derek Lam from the Demosisto party said that had to change.
"We have one simple message, respect Hong Kong people, give us universal suffrage, give us democracy or we will fight for it."
Declining fortunes add to anger
For China, Hong Kong is no longer the gateway to the world or the key to economic growth.
Chinese cities like Shenzhen, Shanghai and Guangzhou have taken over that role.
Hong Kong's declining fortunes are also feeding into the growing resentment — it is now much harder for the youth to buy a home or get a job.
Political commentator Professor Joseph Chen said he expected there would be another exodus of people out of Hong Kong as the mainland cemented its control.
He said a lot of people realised that democracy in Hong Kong was an impossible dream.
"There are plans among many people to immigrate again," Professor Chen said.
"One million people in Hong Kong already have foreign passports or rights of abode."
Polls say the majority in Hong Kong accept the inevitability of a complete Chinese takeover.
They know taking on the might of China is not an option.
Topics: world-politics, hong-kong, china
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