Hong Kong's new leader was sworn in Friday in Beijing, completing the first leadership change in the former British colony since it returned to Chinese rule eight years ago.

Donald Tsang took his oath of office in the cavernous Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where he met briefly in public with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

Wen heaped praise on the veteran civil servant, saying that Tsang will "unite all the people of Hong Kong, and have great achievements in making Hong Kong more prosperous and stable," state media reported.

Tsang replaced Tung Chee-hwa, who resigned in March citing failing health.

Many believe that Tung was pushed out by Beijing, which had lost confidence in him. Tung suffered from dismal public approval ratings during his eight years in office.