Growing number of protests by farmers over land disputes. 2,000 clashed with police in northern region of Inner Mongolia 21 July.

Popular long-time civil servant Donald Tsang named new leader of Hong Kong.

Authorities cracked down against family and associates of prominent advocate for Uighur community rights in Xinjiang province.

Widespread public protests against Japan’s UN Security Council aspirations and failure to confront war record appeared to have tacit support from Beijing. Protestors in Hong Kong denounced Beijing decision to limit next Hong Kong chief’s term to 2 years as unwarranted interference in internal affairs.

Beijing-appointed Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa edged out; successor to serve remaining 2 years of Tung’s 5-year term, allowing new Chief Executive to be chosen under old system 2007. Beijing’s interpretation of Hong Kong Law criticised by democracy activists as delaying possible democratisation until 2012. Human Rights Watch welcomed release of prominent Uighur activist – but criticised ongoing detentions in Xinjiang.

No relevant news.

Government announced new rules enshrining religious belief as basic human right.

Yeung Sum, leader of Hong Kong Democratic Party, said will step down as chairman. Move follows party’s poor showing in September legislative elections.

Clashes between minority Hui Muslims and majority Han Chinese killed 148 in central Henan province after Hui taxi driver killed 6-year-old Han girl. Beijing agreed to reopen human rights dialogue with U.S. after visit from Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Despite winning 60% of vote, Hong Kong democrats won fewer seats than expected in 12 September legislative elections. Citing concern over global terrorism, China held anti-terror exercises in Tibet and Xinjiang province.