Hong Kong police confirmed Tuesday that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the city this week to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the former British colony’s return to Chinese sovereignty.
Xi will attend several official events, including the swearing-in of Hong Kong’s next leader on Friday, Deputy Commissioner of Police Lui Kam-ho told a news conference.
This is Xi’s first trip outside mainland China since the start of the novel coronavirus pandemic some two and a half years ago. This occurs at a time when Hong Kong faces a new spike in infections.
The UK returned Hong Kong to China on July 1, 1997. The anniversary is highly symbolic for Xi, who wants to be seen as the driver of “national rejuvenation” as he prepares to start a third five-year termat the Communist Party Congress, which takes place in the fall.
Part of this rejuvenation consists of erase the legacy of colonialism and what the Party considers to be unequal treaties that granted territorial concessions to the United Kingdom and other foreign nations during the final years of the Qing dynasty, which ended in 1911.
Security measures will be put in place to protect Xi, including security zones and road closures in the vicinity of the ceremony site, police said. Barriers have already been erected in the area.
“We will not tolerate any action that could interfere and jeopardize the security operation,” Lui warned.
Source: Observadora
