Hu Avoids Talk of Democracy As Hong Kong Marks Handoff

Hu Avoids Talk of Democracy As Hong Kong Marks Handoff
Associated Press
Word Count: 642
HONG KONG -- Chinese leader Hu Jintao avoided the touchy issue of democracy Friday as he began his first presidential trip to Hong Kong to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the former British colony's return to China.

After stepping off the plane on a rain-soaked tarmac, Mr. Hu walked past a line of flag-waving children and told reporters he was happy with Hong Kong's progress in the last decade. "I'm even more confident about Hong Kong's future," he added in a brief speech.

Security was tight for Mr. Hu's three-day trip, with the leader expected to face protests from activists ...