Hong Kong handover celebrated, protested in Washington

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Thousands of people turned out on the Washington Mall Saturday to celebrate Britain's handover of Hong Kong to China, which takes place July 1.

Buses from around the country brought people to Washington for a parade and celebration. One man said the Chinese share the same feeling as Americans do on Independence Day, and that every Chinese person should be proud of this historic event.

Across the street, a handful of demonstrators gathered to protest the handover.

Calling themselves the Party For Freedom and Democracy in China, the protesters said the only things the Communist government can offer in exchange for Hong Kong's freedom is fear, oppression, terror, torture and an existence without fundamental human rights.

When the parade passed by, the protesters chanted "Free China!" and "Down with communism!"

• Message Board: Hong Kong transfer
• Newsmaker Profile: Jiang Zemin - Chinese President
• Newsmaker Profile: Tung Chee-hwa - Hong Kong Chief Executive Appointee
• Video Almanac1984 - Hong Kong transfer agreement

Related stories:

• China to send 4,000 troops to Hong Kong at handover - June 26, 1997
• U.S., Britain weaken Hong Kong protest - June 26, 1997
• Hong Kong's voices of democracy worry about future - June 26, 1997

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