China's Xi to visit Hong Kong for handover anniversary

Chinese leader Xi Jinping will visit Hong Kong to celebrate next week’s 25th anniversary of the former British colony’s return to China

Chinese leader Xi Jinping will visit Hong Kong to celebrate next week's 25th anniversary of the former British colony’s return to China following a crackdown on a pro-democracy movement that has inflamed tension with Washington and Europe.

Mr. Xi will attend an anniversary gathering and the first meeting of the new government of Chief Executive John Lee, the official Xinhua News Agency announced Saturday. It gave no indication how long Mr. Xi, who is president and general secretary of the ruling Communist Party, might stay or other details.

Mr. Xi has avoided trips outside the Chinese mainland since the start of the coronavirus pandemic 2.5 years ago. His decision to go to Hong Kong, which struggled to contain a surge in infections this year, reflects the anniversary's importance to Mr. Xi, who wants to be seen as leading a “national rejuvenation” amid a military buildup and more assertive Chinese policy abroad.

The anniversary follows a crackdown led in part by Mr. Lee, a former Hong Kong security chief, to crush pro-democracy sentiment. Activists have been sentenced to prison, scores of others arrested and Hong Kong's most prominent pro-democracy newspaper shut down.

The tighter controls under a national security law imposed in 2020 have prompted some people to leave for Taiwan, Britain and other countries.

That has prompted warnings the ruling party is ruining Hong Kong’s status as a global business and financial center.

Hong Kong, one of Asia's richest cities and a global business center with thriving film, publishing and other creative industries, returned to China on July 1, 1997 under an agreement that promised a “high degree of autonomy” for 50 years.