Hong Kong It is March 1997 and a political cartoonist, known by the pen name "Zunzi", draws sketches in a Hong Kong bar. Many Americans take this right for granted. Zunzi, however, is grateful that his newspaper is among the few to have avoided self-censorship as China's takeover nears, bringing with it tough censorship laws. Draw a picture of a smiling man dressed in the bottom half of a dog costume, preparing to put his head on it. The man symbolizes Hong Kong's wealthy businessmen, and the costume symbolizes their willingness to obey Beijing by taking positions of power, such as the Preparatory Committee and the Provisional Legislature. They change costume and identity in whatever group they belong to, while remaining loyal to China by acting as Chinese "puppets". In this way, China has strong control over Hong Kong's political affairs. Zunzi is aware that his days in Hong Kong are limited (Sesser 21). As China takes control, many laws restricting Hong Kong's free speech are put into effect, causing unease among citizens. Despite China's attempted control, Hong Kong citizens struggle to maintain the democratic lifestyle they are accustomed to. The Chinese government's restriction of free speech has oppressed many Hong Kong citizens. Before the handover on July 1, 1997, a vigil was held in Hong Kong's Victoria Park for the victims of the Tianemen Square massacre of June 4, 1989. Fifty thousand people attended the vigil, in memory of those who died while demonstrating for democracy. Pro-democracy activist Szeto Wah said: “Tonight. we still use candle sparks, solidified drops of 'tears', to remember and mourn you." However, demonstrations like this are not viewed with the approval of the new government that will come with the handover. Future Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa expressed his disapproval of the vigil stating that it is “…time to put aside the burden of June 4th.” The new laws proposed by the Provisional Legislative Council require demonstrations and companies to register those who are considered dangerous for national security they will be banned (Baird 30). These new laws threaten to make demonstrations like the one held in Victoria Park impossible. Tung Chee-hwa's disapproval and the emergence of restrictive laws pose a threat to citizens who care about their own. security, right to free speech. Hong Kong citizens fear expressing themselves through art due to Chinese control.