Support among Hong Kong residents for Chinese mainland's policies toward the special admistrative region jumped 20 percentage points from last year to a record 56 percent, according to a poll.

The University of Hong Kong poll was released Thursday, just days ahead of the 9th anniversary of the former British colony's return to China.

The survey said the high rating was a result of the generally benevolent attitude the country's leaders have shown toward Hong Kong since Donald Tsang replaced the unpopular Tung Chee-hwa as the region's leader.

"After Donald Tsang became the chief executive, most central government officials have used mild words when commenting on Hong Kong affairs. This may have contributed to Hong Kong people's positive feedback," pollster Robert Chung said.

Tsang took the top job last July after Tung resigned due to failing health. 

In the latest poll, support for Beijing's rule rose 20 percentage points over last year to 56 percent, the highest since the poll was launched in 1999 and well above the previous high of 36 percent recorded last year and in 2003.

Hong Kong returned to China on July 1, 1997, under a "one country, two systems" formula that promises the city a large degree of autonomy. 

The survey also said 47 percent of respondents said they were proud of being Chinese nationals, compared with 51 percent who disagreed.

The telephone survey interviewed 1,210 Hong Kong residents between June 19-21. It had a margin of error of 3 percent.