China taps civil servant to lead Hong Kong

HONG KONG -- China tried having a patriotic tycoon run the nation's richest city, but the Communist leadership gave Hong Kong's top job to a different type yesterday: a veteran civil servant and devout Roman Catholic who wears colorful bow ties and proudly holds his British knighthood.

Donald Tsang, previously the number two-ranking leader, replaces Tung Chee-hwa, a shipping tycoon who had little political experience. Tung resigned three months ago, citing failing health, but many believe he was pushed out because he couldn't improve his dismal public approval ratings.

Premier Wen Jiabao of China announced Tsang got the job after winning most of the votes from an 800-member committee that picks Hong Kong's leaders.