Tony Blair Calls for More Democracy in Hong Kong - 2003-07-21

Tony Blair, the Prime Minister of Britain, has called for more democracy in Hong Kong, the former British colony, where its people have raised their voices in protest against the so-called anti-subversion law. The British leader expressed hope that the process of democratic changes in Hong Kong would progress. He is scheduled to visit Hong Kong tomorrow at the end of his brief visit to China. Mr. Blair, while being welcomed by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing, stated that the ties between Britain and China have strengthened significantly in recent years and he has no doubt that they will continue to strengthen — not only in terms of economic relations that have made Britain the largest source of European foreign investment in China — but also in the political arena where the two countries have cooperated to address some of the world's critical issues. The central Chinese government has retained Mr. Tung Chee-hwa, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, in his position despite widespread dissatisfaction among the people of Hong Kong. This month, there have been three large public protests against the so-called anti-subversion law in Hong Kong as people say it may infringe upon their individual freedoms.