Official visit: Xi giving a speech upon arriving in Hong Kong. — AFP
HONG KONG: President Xi Jinping arrived in Hong Kong for events to celebrate 25 years since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule and the inauguration of the city’s new leader John Lee.
Xi’s visit, via high-speed rail, is his first to the city since 2017 and the first known trip outside mainland China in over two years amid the Covid-19 epidemic.
Xi, wearing a mask, stepped out of the train yesterday to be greeted by children and other people waving flowers and Chinese and Hong Kong flags, while chanting “Welcome, welcome, warmly welcome” in Mandarin.
Some held up banners welcoming Xi and a lion dance performance was held.
Outgoing leader Carrie Lam and her husband were among those who welcomed Xi at the train station.
“In the past period, Hong Kong has experienced more than one serious test, and overcome more than one risk and challenge,” Xi said.
“After the storms, Hong Kong has been reborn of fire and emerged with robust vitality.”
Today’s anniversary also marks the halfway point of the 50-year governance model agreed by Britain and China under which the city would keep some autonomy and freedoms.
Xi said yesterday that “the facts have proved that One Country, Two Systems has great vitality”.
“It can guarantee long-term stability and prosperity in Hong Kong, and defend the well-being of Hong Kong people,” he added.
The city’s streets had been festooned with red China flags and posters declaring a “new era” of stability.
Authorities deployed heavy security around the train station and conducted stop-and-search checks, with some officers assisted by sniffer dogs.
Xi’s official full schedule for the visit has not been released.
Police have closed parts of Hong Kong, blocking roads and enforcing a no-fly zone over the central Victoria Harbour.
Incoming leader Lee, a former policeman, is expected to be sworn in by Xi today. — Agencies
