China formally reappointed Donald Tsang as Hong Kong leader yesterday after a largely pro-Beijing electoral college handed him another five years in office last month.

Hong Kong, a former British colony, has been governed since 1997 under China’s “one country, two systems” formula that affords it a high degree of autonomy from the Communist Party-led mainland.

However, Beijing has dictated the scope and pace of political reforms.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao awarded Tsang the “instrument of appointment” in Beijing at the Communist Party’s walled leadership compound of Zhongnanhai, Xinhua news agency reported.

State television showed pictures of Tsang in his trademark bow tie smiling and shaking hands with Chinese leaders.

Wen “gave recognition to Donald Tsang’s performance, his policy proposals to improve livelihoods and establish a harmonious society, promote democracy and his performance in the election.”