Journalists report in front of the wax figure of the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping and his Red Flag sedan in Hong Kong, south China on June 28, 2007. The wax figure of Deng and his Red Flag sedan were on show in Hong Kong on Thursday. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, June 29 -- Late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping played a vital role in the process of the return, though he did not live to see its completion.

    On Thursday morning, a wax replica of Deng Xiaoping, made by mainland artists, was unveiled in Kowloon's Olympian City.

    The wax figure is symbolic of the nation's wish that Deng could have seen Hong Kong's return and witnessed the success of his concept of "One Country, Two Systems."

    Work began on Deng Xiaopeng's wax figure in 1993, and it took about eighteen months to finish. To capture his spirit, the artists consulted Deng's relatives and colleagues.

    Now we can see the man known as the architect of China's reform and opening up, surveying a prosperous Hong Kong, the result of his decision twenty-five years ago.

    Also in the exhibition is the Hongqi Limo Deng rode when he inspectedthe troops on National Day in 1984.

    Viewing the lifelike figure, people cannot help recalling the man's world-shaking action when he took on the British.

    For Chinese, resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong is not only taking back the lost territory, but also an end to the humiliation of being bullied by the colonialists.

    Over a century of colonial rule has given Hong Kong people a special feeling for Deng Xiaoping.

    Mr. Chou, a local resident, said that Deng's soul in heaven must be happy to see how well Hong Kong is doing now. He called Deng a great man with huge contributions to the nation and Hong Kong.

    The younger generation also admires the statesman.

    A great part of Deng's appeal was and is his eternal optimism.

    Deng Xiaoping was not able to see the return of Hong Kong. This may have been one of his biggest regrets when he passed away. But he could be proud that today's Hong Kong is thriving under the One Country, Two Systems policy.

(Source: CCTV.com)