Image: Reuters Berita 24 English - State news agency Xinhua said on Saturday that Chinese President Xi Jinping will go to Hong Kong on July...
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| Image: Reuters |
Berita 24 English - State news agency Xinhua said on Saturday that Chinese President Xi Jinping will go to Hong Kong on July 1, the 25th anniversary of the city's handover to mainland China.
After the COVID-19 outbreak in January 2020, this will be Xi's first known trip outside of mainland China. Xinhua also said that he will be there for the start of the sixth term of Hong Kong's government.
John Lee will take over as leader of the city on July 1. He will replace Carrie Lam, who was in charge during some of the territory's most troubled times, like when there were protests against the government and COVID-19.
In 2017, when Xi was in Hong Kong to celebrate the anniversary of the handover, he was also there when Lam was sworn in.
In the last few weeks, there have been more COVID-19 infections in the city, which has made it less likely that Xi will visit the former British colony. Two incoming high-level officials are among the most recent cases.
China has strict COVID policies and travel restrictions that are meant to stop all outbreaks at almost any cost. This goes against a global trend of trying to live with the virus.
Critics said that the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover is important to China because it shows that the city is getting back to normal after the massive pro-democracy protests in 2019 and after the national security law and electoral reforms that make sure only "patriots" can work in the government and make laws.
Lee, who used to be a top police officer and is now a civil servant, has promised to keep a tight grip on the city in line with the security law and China's sovereign interests.
After being ruled by the British for 156 years, Hong Kong was given to China on July 1, 1997.
