HONG KONG – Forget about Chinese history’s Long March. Hong Kong people have the “Big Walk”.

On July 1, an estimated 76,000 people braved the scorching sun and high humidity, many shielded by umbrellas and clutching water bottles, to march through the streets demanding universal suffrage and real democracy. Temperatures reached 32 degrees Celsius as the huge procession wound across northern Hong Kong Island.

“The fact that so many turned up despite the heat shows the public is very dissatisfied….” said participant Anson Chan, formerly Hong Kong’s chief secretary for administration. “The government should listen to the public and give us a clear roadmap and practical measures for universal suffrage.”

This marks the seventh straight year that tens of thousands of Hong Kong people have marched in protest on the anniversary of a rainy, miserable night in 1997 when Britain “handed over” Hong Kong to China. Beijing’s refusal to allow Hong Kong people to select their own leaders or to stage free elections betrays the solemn promises China made before gaining sovereignty.

Representatives of the mainland government fear the annual protest marches may undermine Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang’s authority. After winning a 2007 “election” that involved only 800 eligible voters, Tsang governs Hong Kong’s seven million people without a popular mandate.

The marchers yelled, chanted and waved signs calling for universal suffrage and mocking Tsang, especially for his obedience to Beijing. “We want to let the government know it’s not our government,” said one protester.

“Legitimate democracy’s long overdue,” said another. “We need a system that allows the people to select their own leaders, not puppet-like characters approved by Beijing.”

Many marchers wore T-shirts with the words: “Donald Tsang, you don’t represent me.” A black-clad “complaints choir” sang about various grievances. Some protesters demanded the release of Chinese political dissidents. Others denounced economic ills. The lack of valid democracy frustrated everyone.

Earlier the same day, Tsang attended a flag-raising ceremony, reception and variety show to “celebrate” the anniversary of the handover. The show starred the People’s Liberation Army, lion dancers, traditional dancers and drummers.

At the reception, Tsang spoke of economic and health issues, not political reforms. “With the all-out support of our country”, Hong Kong will persevere, he said.

Reacting to the massive protest, Tsang’s administration issued a statement claiming to respect the people’s right to march and vowing to “consider” their wishes. To those who pounded the pavement, such words ring hollow, like so many past government statements.


Umbrellas unfurl as shields against tropical heat.


A Complaints Choir sings about grievances.


Left behind by the British, Queen Victoria's
statue peers down at the passing procession.


Some protesters demand freedom
for unjustly jailed Chinese dissidents.


Public opinion holds that Tsang
can't see past obeying Beijing.


For several hours, the Big Walk winds
across northern Hong Kong Island.

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