President Xi Jinping has ventured out of mainland China for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic erupted in January 2020, arriving in Hong Kong on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the return of the former UK colony. to Chinese sovereignty.
Accompanied by Peng Liyuan, China’s first lady, Xi traveled by train from Shenzhen on Thursday afternoon and was greeted by school children, lion dancers and the Hong Kong police gang.
Chinese and Hong Kong security services are on high alert for Xi’s two-day trip. Prior to the president’s arrival in a city that was shaken by pro-democracy protests in 2019, no-fly zones have been imposed in large areas and the People’s Liberation Army garrison in Hong Kong Kong has boasted of his readiness for combat.
“In recent years, Hong Kong has experienced great challenges and won the battle against many trials and obstacles,” Xi said in a brief speech. “Hong Kong has risen from the ashes.”
In an interview published a few days before Xi’s visit, the head of the Hong Kong garrison, Major General Peng Jingtang, said the EPL was increasing its defense capabilities in the territory. EPL forces in Hong Kong will be ready to fight in the “toughest and most complicated” fighting, Peng told the official Xinhua news agency.
As an indication of these security concerns, Xi will spend the night in Shenzhen before returning to Hong Kong on Friday morning to preside over the oath of John Lee, the territory’s next chief executive, according to people familiar with his itinerary.
“The deployment of high-level security has reflected Beijing’s growing concern for national security as well as for the security of state leaders at the highest level,” said Willy Lam, a political analyst at China University of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong security forces tightened control of the entire city in anticipation of the arrival of President Xi by train from Shenzhen © Isaac Lawrence / AFP / Getty Images
Xi’s visit will likely be free of protests after national security officials warned democracy activists to stay home. Many opposition figures are already in prison or in exile. Prior to the imposition of a strict national security law in Hong Kong in June 2020, the annual anniversary of the July 1 surrender was often marked by major pro-democracy protests.
In addition to the closure of roads, bridges and other transportation facilities, police said drones were banned in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, while an exclusion zone wants to cover areas in the center of Victoria Harbor.
Xi last visited Hong Kong in 2017 when Lee’s predecessor, Carrie Lam, began what turned out to be a tumultuous term. As with the three CEOs appointed by China before her, Beijing did not allow Lam to serve two five-year terms, the maximum allowed by the Hong Kong Basic Law or the mini-constitution.
At least 10 local and foreign media journalists, including Agence France-Presse and Reuters news agencies, have been banned from official events related to Xi’s visit this week for “security reasons,” the Association of Journalists said. Hong Kong.
“The restrictions, which came suddenly… And the unclear criteria for rejecting journalists [attending the events] they have severely damaged Hong Kong’s press freedom, ”the HKJA said. The Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents Club and the Hong Kong News Executive Association also expressed concern about the bans.
“The goal is to ensure maximum security,” Regina Ip told the Financial Times, summoning incoming Lee’s de facto cabinet. “There is no goal towards any particular medium or individual.”
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Hundreds of guests, including officials, lawmakers and schoolchildren, were ordered to a strict hotel quarantine before the events amid an increase in Covid-19 cases. More than 2,000 new infections were reported in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
Some envoys who were invited, including the British consulate, will not attend due to the requirements, according to people familiar with the matter.
“Xi will likely offer carrots and stick to Hong Kong during his trip, emphasizing safeguarding national security and the principle of‘ patriots who run Hong Kong, ’” Lam said of China University. “There could be new policies to help revive the city’s economy.”
Chinese and Hong Kong national flags have been hung along some streets in the city to try to create a festive atmosphere.