Chinese leader Xi Jinping is taking no chances as he leaves the zero-Covid bubble of mainland China for the first time in more than two years.
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After stepping off the train in Hong Kong on Thursday, he exchanged greetings with the city’s outgoing leader Carrie Lam — but didn’t shake her hand.
At the inauguration of new Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee on Friday, Xi stood side by side with the former police officer and security chief — but again, did not shake his hand.
In the massive hall where the ceremony is taking place today, seats are spaced out for social distancing, filled by top officials and hand-picked guests. Everybody is wearing matching N-95 masks — though Lee removed his mask to deliver his first speech as the city’s new leader.
Covid precautions: Under Xi, China stands isolated from the world in pursuing a zero-tolerance approach to the virus that has seen the country’s international borders shut and travel strictly curtailed.
In the almost 900 days since Xi last left the mainland on January 17, 2020, his diplomatic activities have been limited to virtual summits and video conferences, lending particular significance to his Hong Kong trip.
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In advance of Xi’s visit, Hong Kong imposed a range of Covid restrictions. As of last week, top officials were forbidden from attending public events and restricted to using private vehicles when commuting. They were also tested daily for Covid, and spent Thursday night in a quarantine hotel before today’s handover ceremony.
