(Image from the Wall Street Journal)

It’s not often senior Chinese leaders make it down to these parts, probably partly because Guangdong is known as one of the more restive and free parts of China. Hong Kong, however, which is protected by a rule of law and an independent constitution, goes even further, and takes great pleasure at poking Beijing in the eye. Hong Kongers are expected to get plenty of opportunity to continue that proud tradition this weekend.

Chinese President Hu Jintao touched down in Hong Kong yesterday, amid a sea of singing children happily waving the Chinese and Hong Kong flags. He’s in town to mark the 15th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty, and also swear-in the territory’s newest Chief Executive, CY Leung, who “won” an “election” in March.

Hu is bringing with him a grab bag of announcements designed to bolster Hong Kong’s economy, one of which is much closer integration with Shenzhen. The Qianhai area, which is northwest of Shekou, is expected to become an economic zone closely linked with Hong Kong.

But no visit would be complete without protests, and Hu is stopping by at precisely the time of year Hong Kong people hold their biggest. July 1 is handover day, but it’s also the day thousands of Hongkies take to the streets to voice their concerns on any number of issues. This year, the topics centre on the “election”, CY Leung’s credibility issues, the wealth gap, death of Li Wangyang, and many others. Unfortunately for the protesters, Hu is expected to take off before noon, when many of the demonstrations will get underway. Wise move, that.

There remains a lot of anti-Mainland sentiment in Hong Kong. Hong Kong locals have complained about Mainland mothers using up hospital space, shoppers being uncouth, and nouveau riche driving up the Hong Kong property market. One series of photos circulated earlier (pasted below), shows the security around the Queen of England’s visit in 1986 juxtaposed with Hu Jintao’s visit this year. However, the photo is not authentic (the security photo is actually from 2007, and was in preparation for the WTO meeting in Hong Kong).

Still, the general message stands. Roads are closed in Hong Kong, and many protesters who want to get within earshot of the Chinese leader will be unable to.

There have also been lively debates about the future of Hong Kong’s venerable English-language daily South China Morning Post. The paper has been heavily criticized becoming much more Beijing friendly, with one former award-winning journalist speaking out about how far the paper has fallen. Both articles are worth a read (and full disclosure, the first was penned by yours truly).

For Hong Kong people, times have changed.