Agence France Presse

Hong Kong, March 5:

Concerns about the future of Hong Kong’s autonomy under Chinese rule grew today following reports that Beijing will flout the territory’s constitution in appointing a new leader. Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, in power since China resumed sovereignty over the former British colony in 1997, was expected to announce his resignation when he met Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing. However, with both Tung and the government dodging questions on the reports, speculation was rife about the timing of resignation. Reports today suggested he may put off an announcement until next weekend when he is to be elected a vice-chairman of China’s political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

His resignation would confirm strong rumours in circulation since Tung was nominated a week ago for the post, one usually reserved for retiring officials. Tung, in Beijing for the annual gathering of CPPCC delegates, has said he would speak at “an appropriate time”.

Analysts and politicians say the secrecy over such an important issue bodes ill for Hong Kong’s promised “high degree of autonomy” within China’s autocratic one-party state. Unease was growing over reports China was likely to appoint a successor to serve the remaining two years of Tung’s term.