HONG KONG: Leung Chun-ying, a millionaire property consultant seen as close to China's communist rulers, was sworn in as Hong Kong's new chief executive Sunday.

"I vow to defend the Hong Kong... Basic Law," Leung said in Mandarin as he read out the oath before Chinese president Hu Jintao, then shook hands with the head of state in front of around 2,300 guests in a harbourfront hall. (AFP)