A Catholic commission specialising in work issues has also written to the Hong Kong authorities, urging them to pass legislation to introduce a minimum wage at a living and sustainable level.

The former colony is now a Special Administrative Region of China. It is recognised as one of the world's financial capitals, and plays a vital role in the Chinese economy and in the growth of the financial power of the Pacific Rim within the global economic system.

"A fair wage means that workers should be able to sustain their families, and have protection for their future needs," commented Lawrence An, general secretary of the Hong Kong Catholic Commission for Labour Affairs. Labour unions and civic groups agree.

The remarks came at a prayer meeting before a rally which Mr An and others joined. The churches in Hong Kong have also been identified with moves to push for a more open and democratic system within the SAR, balancing a desire for constructive relations with the authorities and the evident frustration of many people about the lack of freedom and social justice.

The Chinese government has allowed “two systems within one country” since Hong Kong was handed back from Britain in 1997. The Special Administrative Region is recognised as having its own distinct background and culture which can contribute towards the extraordinary pace of modernisation on the mainland.

But the Chinese leaders are also concerned that it does not become a zone of dissent, or create “instability”, as they would see it. The national integrity of China is a high political ideal, also effecting policy towards the dispute over Taiwan.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, is visiting China this month, as a guest of the official mainland Protestant church, the China Christian Council (CCC).

Ekklesia