The last vestiges of empire are removed

"Last Emperor" Jibe over Hong Kong

The claim was made by a pro-China official and comes just two weeks before the colony's handover to Beijing.

Rita Fan, who presides over the 60-strong shadow chamber selected by Beijing to replace the present elected legislature, said Chris Patten was the absolute ruler of Hong Kong.

She said the Governor was "the most authoritive person in Hong Kong, the ruler of Hong Kong ... our emperor, the last emperor."

She accused Mr Patten and his adminstration of sending misleading messages to Western countries about her legislature being "handpicked" and "controlled" by China.

Rita Fan: Critical of British Governor

"Britain's Last Emperor"

In contrast, she said Hong Kong's new leader Tung Chee-hwa, selected by a 400-strong committee, would be very different as his power would be checked by her legislature.

Mr Patten has consistently criticised the unelected assembly for abolishing a number of laws that enshrine Hong Kong's civil liberties and was quick to respond. The Prime Minister Tony Blair is planning to boycott the swearing-in ceremony of the assembly.

"This is probably the only example in recorded history where decolonisation has been met with less democracy, rather than more, because that's what's happening in Hong Kong," said Mr Patten.

"That's what she represents, and that's what people in Hong Kong don't want to see happen," he continued.

Patten: Quick retort

"Less democracy under China"

China is worried that the handover may become a watershed for political discontent in the territory and on the mainland.

It has convened the first session of the controversial new Hong Kong assembly less than three hours after the British flag comes down.

It's first act will be to approve a number of laws which restrict the right to demonstrate.

In China itself, the authorities have tightened security in Beijing in the run-up to ceremonies marking the return of Hong Kong to China at the end of the month.

The army is reported to have been placed on a high state of alert and police leave is being cancelled.

More than one-hundred-thousand people are expected to gather in the city's Tiananmen Square on the night of the handover.