Associated Press

Hong Kong, June 21:

China appointed Donald Tsang as Hong Kong’s new leader today, and the veteran civil servant began his two-year term by expressing confidence the territory will become more democratic and vowing to listen more to the people. Tsang’s appointment completed Hong Kong’s first leadership change sin-ce the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with promises that the capitalist city would enjoy autonomy. Tsang faces at least

two major challenges: keeping the economic recovery on track and pleasing his Communist masters who have rejected the public’s calls for full democracy. Tsang replaced Tung Chee-hwa who resigned three months ago citing failing health, but many believe Beijing pushed him out because he was unable to improve his dismal public approval ratings.