Hong Kong on high alert as Xi Jinping visits for handover anniversary

• China’s President Xi Jinping is due to visit Hong Kong.
• Areas of Hong Kong have been put into an anti-Covid “closed-loop” system and media prevented from some events.

HONG KONG: Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to visit Hong Kong on Thursday, spurring a huge security operation in preparation for festivities marking the 25th anniversary of the city’s handover to China.

Government leaders have been put into an anti-Covid “closed-loop” system, areas of the city have been locked down, and many media have been prevented from Friday events showcasing the Communist Party’s grip over the city.

Xi’s first trip outside mainland China since the outbreak has been kept secret, although he’s anticipated to visit Hong Kong on Thursday and Friday.

Local media say the Chinese leader will spend the night in Shenzhen.

Those in Xi’s orbit during the trip, including high-ranking government officials, were told to limit their social contacts, take daily PCR testing, and check into a quarantined hotel.

“To play safe, if we are going to meet the paramount leader and other leaders in close quarters, I think it is worthwhile to go into the closed-loop arrangements,” veteran pro-Beijing politician Regina Ip told AFP.

Also Read

Chinese president Xi Jinping appoints new ambassadors

President Xi Jinping has replaced nine ambassadors in accordance with a decision...

National security officers have arrested nine people in the past week to make sure that nothing embarrassing happens while Xi is in the country.

After talking with national security agents, the League of Social Democrats (LSD), one of the few remaining opposition groups in Hong Kong, won’t hold a protest on July 1.

LSD leaders told AFP that authorities searched their residences and spoke with them.

Chan Po-ying, the group’s president, feels followed and watched.

“In the past, there was something like this too, but not as bad as this year,” the activist claimed.

Hong Kong’s leading polling company will delay disclosing government popularity survey results “after risk assessment from relevant government ministries.”

Every year, tens of thousands of people gather in Hong Kong to celebrate the anniversary of the handover on July 1.

Mass gatherings have largely disappeared in Hong Kong in recent years due to coronavirus limitations and a security campaign to eliminate public dissent against China’s administration.

Also Read

China Xi Jinping calls for stronger fintech oversight, security

Calls for more control and better security in the sector. Which has...