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SCMP Reporters

This blog has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday arrived in Hong Kong for a two-day visit to mark the 25th anniversary of the city's July 1 return to Chinese rule, with police throwing a tight security blanket.
His long-awaited visit marked his first outside mainland China since the pandemic started in 2020. It was also his second time presiding over the city’s anniversary events, after a 2017 trip. 
Xi, his wife Peng Liyuan and a delegation of mainland Chinese officials arrived at the West Kowloon high-speed railway terminus by a special train from Shenzhen shortly after 3pm.
In a brief opening speech, the president said Hong Kong had “risen from the ashes” after overcoming various severe challenges since his last visit in 2017, which also proved “one country, two systems” was a good system.
The president then met a group of pro-Beijing politicians and tycoons at the Exhibition and Convention Centre in Wan Chai, before heading for an inspection of the Science Park in Tai Po. 
He is due to attend a closed-door banquet hosted by outgoing Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor at her official residence.
Follow our live blog for the latest on Xi’s visit to the city.
Reporting by Lilian Cheng, Jeffie Lam, Chris Lau, Natalie Wong, Tony Cheung, Gary Cheung, Clifford Lo, Nadia Lam, Harvey Kong, Chester Wong, Angel Woo, Charmaine Choi, Joyce Ng, Edith Lin, Oscar Liu, Jess Ma and Enid Tsui.

 


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Hong Kong at 25

As it happened: Chinese leader Xi Jinping hails ‘vitality’ of ‘one country, two systems’ in arrival speech in Hong Kong, endorses it as a ‘good system’

News

Hong Kong

Politics


President also says his heart has been with Hong Kong, noting city has risen from the ashes
Xi's long-awaited visit is his first outside mainland China since the pandemic started in 2020



President also says his heart has been with Hong Kong, noting city has risen from the ashes. 


Hong Kong at 25: Politics

Hong Kong politics

Xi Jinping

Hong Kong handover anniversary

Live

Back in 2017, Xi Jinping and first lady Peng Liyuan spent three days in the city, attending 20 events over 49 hours. Apart from overseeing the swearing-in ceremony of the then incoming leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Xi also inspected the West Kowloon Cultural District and the local site of the link road to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. The couple attended a banquet hosted by outgoing chief executive Leung Chun-ying.
In a welcome dinner, Xi met 200 people from various sectors, including tycoon Li Ka-shing. He also inspected troops at the People’s Liberation Army garrison at Shek Kong Barracks in Yuen Long on day two of his visit at the time. 
The military parade, which was the largest such inspection in the city up to that point, comprised 3,100 soldiers and officers. 
Xi then visited the Junior Police Call Permanent Activity Centre and Integrated Youth Training Camp in Pat Heung, chatting with young members there.
Peng meanwhile, accompanied by Regina Leung Tong Ching-yee, the wife of then city leader Leung, visited an elderly centre in Wong Chuk Hang and a kindergarten in Kowloon Tong. 
She chatted and made pop-up cards with elderly residents and watched student performances. Following the visit, Peng wrote a personal reply to students after receiving a letter and painting of her from them. 



Xi’s last visit to the city

In a 30-minute keynote address at the 2017 inauguration ceremony, Xi urged city officials to come up with “a brilliant report card” and laid down three principles for them to consider - national interest, standing firm in the face of pressure and maintaining unity in fulfilling their duties.
He said the “one country, two systems” principle was the best solution to the city’s historical questions, and an important component of the “Chinese dream”. He added Hong Kong was a “plural society”, but making everything political or deliberately creating differences and provoking confrontation would not solve the problems.    


A ‘brilliant report card’ wanted

It is the first time for a state leader to arrive in the city from Beijing via the cross-border high-speed rail link, which only started operating in September 2018, rather than by aircraft. Operations at the high-speed rail, running from West Kowloon in Hong Kong to Shenzhen and Guangzhou on the mainland, have been suspended since January 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.


New travel arrangements

Police have sealed off the area around the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai where the major July 1 ceremonies will take place. The MTR’s Exhibition Centre station and its nearby public transport interchange have also been closed. 
Hong Kong has also made an unprecedented move of banning drones across the city on July 1, while a temporary restricted flying zone has been designated over Victoria Harbour and several other areas. 


Security measures

Rather than staying overnight in Hong Kong like last time, Xi is expected to return to Shenzhen on Thursday evening, and come back to the city on Friday for events marking the handover anniversary and to oversee the swearing-in of incoming chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu and his cabinet at the convention centre.


Xi’s itinerary on day 2

Back in 2017, 60,000 protesters took to the streets for the annual July 1 pro-democracy march, which had been organised by the Civil Human Rights Front since 2003, two hours after Xi left the city. But the front was among dozens of civil groups that disbanded last year following the imposition of the national security law in June 2020. 
No opposition groups have applied to hold rallies this year. On Tuesday, the League of Social Democrats, one of the few active opposition groups remaining, announced it would not hold a protest on July 1 after some members were summoned for meetings with national security police. 
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute also said it was postponing the release of a poll about the handover scheduled for release on Tuesday, in response to “suggestions from relevant government departments” after risk assessment.


Protests no more

Photos by Dickson Lee, K. Y. Cheng and Yik Yeung-man.





Security scenes

Ahead of Xi’s arrival, the Hong Kong Observatory announced in the morning it might issue a No 3 typhoon warning on Thursday night, with the No 1 signal in force since the previous evening as storm Chaba nears.      “According to the present forecast track, the tropical depression will remain at a distance of over 500km from Hong Kong during the day,” the forecaster said.   


Stormy weather looms

Pro-Beijing lawmaker Kingsley Wong Kwok, of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, has accused the Celebrations Co-ordination Office under the Home Affairs Bureau of poor planning, saying some members only received invitations for celebratory events on Monday, which means they cannot join as guests are already under a “closed-loop” arrangement since June 23.  
Lawmaker Edward Leung Hei, of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, also says some of his party members only received notification of quarantine arrangements on Thursday morning, telling them that they have to check in by afternoon.
The office on Monday had apologised for a blunder that led to the exposure of email addresses of more than 400 guests and officials expected to attend the anniversary events, as names in a mass message sent out were not put under the “bcc” or “blind carbon copy” field. 


Unhappy politicians

Since morning, officers in tactical gear have been patrolling Austin MTR station. The stop is opposite the West Kowloon terminus, where Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to arrive. 
Some exits, especially those near the high-speed rail terminus, are closed.
On a bridge around the station, dozens of officers have been deployed in teams, stationed 20 metres apart.  
Most shops in nearby Jordan and shopping centre Elements remain open. 



Heavy police presence

Activist Avery Ng Man-yuen, of the League of Social Democrats, tells the Post he has been under surveillance by police ahead of Xi’s visit.
Ng posted a sarcastic message on social media on Wednesday night, saying: “I’m sorry. I am currently in jail”. 
It is understood that several members of the group are also being closely monitored by officers.
The league earlier announced it would not protest on July 1 following an assessment of the situation, after some volunteers and close allies were summoned by national security police for meetings.


‘Sorry, I’m in jail’

On a footbridge connecting Wan Chai MTR station to the Exhibition and Convention Centre, a sign is seen warning pedestrians not to linger. The entrance from the bridge to the centre has been closed, with entry only for specified individuals who have to pass through a metal detector. 


At the nearby Xiqu Centre where Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit, police have cordoned off the area with extendable metal gating. 

Along Harbour Road, police are conducting checks on vehicles, with only permitted ones allowed to enter the Grand Hyatt.

Meanwhile, at the bus terminus at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, notices have been posted telling commuters that the route to the science park, where Xi is expected to visit, has been temporarily suspended to “facilitate police operations”. 



Security blanket extends

The footbridge connecting Wan Chai MTR station to the Convention and Exhibition Centre has been repainted ahead of Xi’s arrival in brighter colours, with one section adorned in floral stickers. 
Elsewhere, banners and slogans celebrating the 25th anniversary of the handover, as well as Chinese flags, line the streets.  






Dressed to impressed

In Wan Chai, boards on buildings show slogans in support of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover
  Video: Charmaine Choi pic.twitter.com/hd7SdrNf8u
  — SCMP Hong Kong (@SCMPHongKong) June 30, 2022


Bells and whistles

The Democratic Party, the oldest opposition party in Hong Kong, says it will not give up its drive for democracy even though many of its members and allies are in jail or awaiting trial. 
“We still believe that ‘one country, two systems’ and a high degree of autonomy are the most suitable arrangements for Hong Kong’s actual situation,” the group, founded in 1994, says in a statement. “We trust the people of Hong Kong, and we hope the central government and the Hong Kong government share this trust in the people.
“When the government does not trust the people and tightens its grip on society with laws and even encourages people to monitor one another, this will only deepen mutual distrust. The peace and silence are only superficial and do not help solve disputes.”  The party calls for the release of political prisoners as the first step to mending rifts in society.


Democratic Party: we will not lose hope 

Despite the heavy security around the high-speed rail terminus, workers at nearby offices say they have been mostly unaffected by the arrangements. 
“It is basically like every other day, but the MTR exits have been closed for a few days,” says Ivan Shaw, a director at a manufacturing firm. The 47-year-old says he will not try to catch a glimpse of the president, as he will be at work and does not know when Xi will arrive.
“Even if I wanted to see him, I won’t be able to do so. I won’t waste effort on this.” Shaw says.
Police have also set up roadblocks and conducted vehicle screenings near the terminus. Journalists who wish to enter the media zone are required to register their press and ID cards with police.
Chung, a 28-year-old accountant working near the Exhibition Centre MTR station, says she spent more than an hour commuting this morning, twice as long as usual from Sha Tin. 
“I don’t think the traffic arrangement is necessary as it affects office workers. And the notice only came this week,” Chung says. 
Her colleague, Sze, echoes her views of disruption to the public, noting there were more people on trains in the morning. 
Mavis Ng, a 26-year-old who works in marketing, tells the Post that only 10 to 20 per cent of staff at her company went back to the office today, as many were worried about traffic uncertainties.
“The closures are too much, really. If we can still get close to the Exhibition Centre with the footbridge, why close off the Exhibition Centre MTR station? They should just close everything or don’t at all,” Ng says. 


At work near the lockdown

Only a few restaurants are open inside the Science Park near the Pak Shek Kok Promenade during lunch hour, and customer turnout is low. Xi is expected to visit the park. 
An area for cars nearby is mostly filled with police vehicles. A security guard says: “It’s just a normal work routine for us and we’re doing what we were told. I don’t find this particularly troublesome despite the heavy rain.”
Victor Fung, 30, a staff member in charge at the Harbourview Grill in Science Park, says he was forced to open. “The shop owner, Science Park to be specific, said we have to open according to the lease, even if the surrounding roads are blocked with no access for people.” 
Fung says sales have dropped 60 per cent over the past two days. “On top of that, I still need to pay my waiters and utility bills.”



All quiet at Science Park

A woman who works near the Immigration Department building in Wan Chai, and who gave her surname as Yau, tells the Post that police presence has been ramped up in the past two days.
“There were definitely more than 20 policemen on the way from Sun Hung Kai Centre to the footbridge foyer near Harbour Centre. It’s been like this over the past two days,” Yau says.
She adds that she was surprised to see barricades near the District Court. “They seem to be very serious about this, with all these grandiose actions,” she says.
Meanwhile, Lee, a 20-year-old student who only gave her surname, says she does not have any strong feelings towards the 25th handover anniversary.
“All I can remember about July 1 were the protests held in the past. Since all the protests are banned now, I don’t have any strong feelings towards the anniversary,” Lee says.
“I can’t tell whether it is better or worse after the handover, because I have never experienced what it was like before the handover,” she adds.


‘They seem to be very serious about this’

Two hours ahead of Xi’s arrival, a press zone has been set up on Lin Cheung Road outside the high-speed rail terminus where Xi is expected to arrive. It is the only area providing media proximity to the event. 
Police inform the press that Xi’s car will not pass the zone, but instead leave in an opposite direction against traffic.



Zoned out

A ban on aerial drones in Hong Kong has been in force hours before Xi’s expected arrival.
According to the Civil Aviation Department, the whole of Hong Kong has been designated a restricted flying zone for small unmanned aircraft from noon to 11.59pm on Thursday, and 6am to 4pm on Friday.
There are also temporary no-fly zones above Hong Kong Island, Victoria Park and Kowloon from 12.10pm on Thursday until 3.35pm on Friday.
Airspace in part of the New Territories such as Sha Tin and Tai Po has also been classified as no-fly zones between noon and 11.10pm on Thursday.    


No drones for all

A source has told the Post that Xi is expected to arrive at about 3pm. He will then give a short speech at the terminus, before heading to other locations, including the People’s Liberation Army garrison in the city, the Exhibition and Convention Centre, as well as the Science Park. 
He will meet groups of officials, politicians and business leaders at the convention centre.
Meanwhile, First Lady Peng Liyuan, who is expected to accompany Xi on his two-day trip, will visit the Xiqu Centre near the high-speed rail terminus.
According to the schedule of state broadcaster China Central Television, there will be a one-hour live programme Welcome ceremony at West Kowloon high-speed railway terminus at 2.50pm. 


Xi expected to arrive at about 3pm 

Police deploy their new anti-riot armoured vehicles procured from mainland China.
Dubbed the “saber-toothed tiger”, the vehicle is one of six bullet-and-explosion-proof models to replace the current fleet of three Mercedes-Benz Unimog U5000 armoured trucks often sent to handle violent clashes in the 2019 anti-government protests.



Tiger on the prowl

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s car is seen entering the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wanchai as part of a convoy. Xi is expected to meet Lam, pro-establishment politicians and tycoons at the venue at 4.30pm.
Police were earlier seen clearing traffic for Lam’s entourage. She is in a leading vehicle carrying a licence plate with the HKSAR insignia. 
Two tour buses are also seen trailing the convoy, but they do not enter the venue. Both vehicles are carrying officials. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau Tang-wah and Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan are spotted among passengers. 
Five years ago, when Xi visited the city, those in attendance in a similar meeting included former chief executives Tung Chee-hwa and Leung Chun-ying. Xi at the time urged business and political leaders to unite in backing Lam and fostering social harmony while also taking a leading role in caring for the younger generation and enhancing cooperation with mainland China.



City leader arrives in convoy

Some 240 people, including tycoons, businessmen, chamber representatives, university chiefs and church leaders, are now waiting at a hall in the Convention and Exhibition Centre, two hours before a scheduled meeting and photo session with Xi.
A guest says due to pandemic restrictions, most tycoon families could only send one representative. Only Victor Li Tzar-kuoi, chairman and managing director of CK Hutchison Holdings Limited, is present, in place of his father, billionaire Li Ka-shing. The senior Li was in the first row five years ago when Xi visited the city.
Also absent is Daryl Ng Win-kong, grandson of Sino founder Ng Teng-fong. But Daryl Ng’s father Robert Ng Chee Siong is present, according to the guest.


Big guns waiting

Activist Chan Po-ying, chairwoman of the League of Social Democrats, says national security police on Wednesday searched the home of six members and led them subsequently to various police stations for “a chat”.
The opposition group has already called off its annual July 1 protest after citing visits by national security police. 
Members were “reminded not to take part in any demonstrations,” Chan says, declining to reveal details. She also says some members believe they have been followed.
Calling the police action “ridiculous”, she also accuses authorities of not respecting rights granted under the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution.    


Homes of activists ‘searched’

A waterspout has been spotted in Aberdeen, as rain continues to pound the city while a No 1 typhoon signal remains in force. Here are some scenes of the wet weather. 





Wet weather persists

Pak, a 60-year-old retiree who only gave her surname, says Xi’s visit is a delight. 
“Of course I feel happy about the 25th handover anniversary, I really hope Hong Kong can continue to be prosperous and stable,” she says.
Referring to boats in the harbour adorned with national flags and slogans, Pak says: “I saw these boats on TV yesterday. So I came here to take pictures. They are very beautiful, it’s a pity that the weather is not very nice today.“
Pak says she is generally satisfied with the government, though there is still room for improvement.
“The unemployment rate is quite high nowadays due to Covid-19, I hope the government can offer more job opportunities,” she says.
The retiree also says she has not travelled overseas in three years. “I really hope the borders can be opened as soon as possible.“


‘A delight’

State broadcaster CCTV says Xi “will soon” arrive in the city via a “special train”. Live footage from the scene shows a red backdrop titled “Eagerly celebrating HKSAR’s 25th anniversary” and a mic stand set up for the welcoming ceremony at the West Kowloon terminus.
Masked personnel can be seen waving the national and Hong Kong flags. The high-speed rail service has been suspended since January 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic. 


Xi arriving soon

President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan, both masked, have arrived at the West Kowloon station in Hong Kong through the express rail link from Shenzhen.
Hundreds of masked personnel and primary school students are seen waving the national and SAR flags to receive the couple at the rail platform, chanting in Mandarin: “A passionate welcome!”
The director of Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong, Luo Huining, incumbent city leader Carrie Lam and her husband Lam Siu-por are also seen at the platform greeting the president. Xi waves at pupils and personnel. 
Another celebratory red banner at the scene reads: “The Pearl of the Orient retains its romance. The city of vitality has become better than before.”
Other performances include a lion dance and marching tunes played by a police band.    


President arrives in Hong Kong

Dressed in a suit and blue tie, Xi walks down a red carpet with his wife, who sports a silver qipao dress, waving at students and personnel who are part of the welcome party. 
Xi stops as outgoing leader Carrie Lam introduces her successor John Lee Ka-chiu to him.
Former city leader Leung Chun-ying also greets the president, along with Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung, Legislative Council president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, Executive Council convenor Bernard Chan, Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah and other senior officials such as Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po.
The director of Beijing’s national security office in Hong Kong, Zheng Yanxiong, and some other mainland officials and military officers, are also at the scene.




Xi greets officials

In a brief speech, Xi starts by saying: “The whole Chinese nation is celebrating this happy occasion with Hong Kong residents.
“The last time I came to Hong Kong was five years ago. During these five springs and autumns, I have been paying attention to Hong Kong and thinking of Hong Kong.”
“My heart and that of the central government have been with our compatriots in Hong Kong,” he adds. “In the past few years, Hong Kong has gone through various severe tests one after another, and has overcome risks and challenges one after another.”
He continues: “After the wind and rain, Hong Kong has risen from the ashes, and showed strong vibrancy.” 
“These facts prove that ‘one country, two systems’ has strong vitality, which has ensured the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and safeguarded the well-being of compatriots in Hong Kong,” he says. “One country, two systems is a good system.”
Xi cited a passage from ancient Chinese philosopher Xunzi: “Through perseverance, the future is promising.” He quoted the scholar’s words to highlight the bright future for Hong Kong if one country, two systems was implemented steadfastly.
“As long as we unswervingly uphold one country, two systems, Hong Kong’s future will surely be brighter. Hong Kong, for sure, will make new and greater contributions to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”


‘Hong Kong has risen from the ashes’

Xi removes his mask while giving a short speech that lasts for about three and a half minutes, a similar length to the one he gave in 2017 upon arrival in Hong Kong. But unlike the 2017 speech, Xi does not highlight the objectives of his trip.
After landing at Hong Kong International Airport on June 29, 2017, Xi said his three-day trip was to serve three objectives: to express blessings; show support for Hong Kong; and plan for the future with the city. He said Hong Kong should learn from experience and ensure the steady, long-term development of “one country, two systems”. 
Also visiting Hong Kong with him were foreign minister Wang Yi, Xia Baolong, director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, and Xia’s deputy Huang Liuquan.


Short speech, no objectives highlighted

During the police security check at the press zone in Wan Chai, a reporter’s handwritten “Hong Kong” sign, given by an interviewee earlier this morning, is seized temporarily and put inside a bag. She can only collect it back from police after the event has ended. 


Security check in Wan Chai

After Xi makes his speech in the West Kowloon high-speed railway terminus, a fleet of vehicles passes through the Western Harbour Tunnel, heading towards the Exhibition and Convention Centre in Wan Chai.



Vehicles head to convention centre in Wan Chai

A convoy of private cars arrives at Xiqu Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui. Peng is expected to visit the performing arts theatre which was built in 2019 for Chinese and Cantonese opera performances. 
The centre has been temporarily closed from Monday to Friday due to “operational matters”. Austin Road near the centre is also temporarily closed for Peng’s visit.
The visit is expected to take 30 to 40 minutes, according to police.


A convey of cars arrives at the Xiqu Centre, where Peng Liyuan, Chinese President Xi Jinping's wife, is expected to visitVideo: Harvey Kong pic.twitter.com/KcjforCohB
— SCMP Hong Kong (@SCMPHongKong) June 30, 2022



Visit to Xiqu Centre

Xi Jinping is expected to inspect the People’s Liberation Army garrison in Hong Kong on Thursday. Xi, who also chairs the powerful Central Military Commission, was escorted by the body’s vice-chairman, General Xu Qiliang, the PLA’s second-highest ranking officer, when he arrived at West Kowloon station.   


Inspection of PLA garrison expected

Some 160 people, including tycoons, businessmen, chamber representatives, university chiefs and church leaders, have been asked to line up inside a hall at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, as they will be greeting Xi soon.
According to one of the guests, each of them has been given a card indicating where they have to stand.


Guests prepare to greet Xi

Tropical storm Chaba is edging closer to Hong Kong while picking up intensity. The No 1 typhoon signal is currently issued.
“The Observatory will issue the strong wind signal No 3 before midnight,” its spokesman says.


No 3 typhoon signal on the cards by midnight

Xi arrives at the convention centre in Wan Chai after 4pm, meeting more than 200 of the city’s political and business elites. A veteran pro-Beijing politician tells the Post the heavyweights take photos with the president in separate groups, and there is no news broadcast.
Five years ago, as Xi met representatives from various sectors, he gave them four tasks. They were to take the lead in supporting incoming leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and her administration, promote social unity, harmony and patriotism, and care about young people and solve problems for them, as well as push forward Hong Kong’s exchanges and cooperation with the mainland.


Xi meets political and business leaders

After staying for more than an hour in the convention centre, Xi’s motorcade, led by a police escort, leaves under heavy rain at 5pm. A helicopter flies in the sky above (pictured). Guests line up and get on coaches outside the convention centre.
  


President leaves convention centre

Pro-Beijing lawmaker Kingsley Wong Kwok, of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, says more than 100 social and political representatives were grouped together to take photos with Xi inside the convention centre.
Xi did not give any speech, Wong recalls. The president was escorted by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor to the room, then greeted everyone in the front row and chatted briefly with some of them, including Elsie Leung Oi-sie, a former vice-chairwoman of the Basic Law Committee, and pro-Beijing heavyweight Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai.
“At first, we were worried that we could only meet President Xi via video conference, but now we can see him in person. Everyone is really excited,” Wong says.


‘Excited to see President Xi in person’

Guests were arranged to take photos with Xi in at least three groups - incumbent Executive Council members and principal officials first, followed by about 70 pro-Beijing business and political elites, and People’s Liberation Army forces in Hong Kong, according to lawmaker Chan Yung, vice-chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong.
Chan says his session lasted for about 10 minutes, with the president greeting several people in the first two rows without shaking hands, including 92-year-old Lui Che-woo, founder of developer K Wah, Lo Man-tuen, vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and Ng Leung-ho, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
“We feel warm seeing him greet his old friends. President Xi is in good spirits despite his hectic schedule,” Chan says.
“His physical presence in Hong Kong reflects his strong confidence in Hong Kong amid the Covid-19 epidemic. I believe we will win the fight and have the border reopened with the mainland soon.” 


Xi in ‘good spirits despite hectic schedule’

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po thanks Xi on his Facebook, echoing some of the remarks made earlier by the Chinese president.
“As President Xi has pointed out, ‘one country, two systems’ is a good system, with strong vitality, which can ensure the long-term stability of Hong Kong while safeguarding the welfare of the city’s compatriots,” he says, adding that he is “touched” by the president’s care and support.
“President Xi puts Hong Kong in his heart and cares about this city. We should work even harder and be more confident for the future, safeguarding one country, two systems while not letting President Xi down,” Chan adds.
“Hong Kong shall achieve greater progress and make greater contributions to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”


Finance chief thanks Xi

Xi Jinping’s motorcade arrives at the Science Park in Sha Tin, with police blocking Tolo Highway for the delegation.


Xi arrives at Science Park

Senior mainland officials who are accompanying Xi on his visit include Xia Baolong, director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office; Ding Xuexiang, director of the General Office of the Chinese Communist Party; Xu Qiliang, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission; Wang Yi, foreign minister; and Shen Yueyue, vice-chairwoman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee. 


Mainland officials accompanying Xi

Business magnate Allan Zeman was among the guests involved in the photo-taking session with the president in the convention centre.
“I am happy to attend such a big event, it is an honour for everybody, and I can feel President Xi attaches great importance to Hong Kong, as this is his first trip outside the mainland in three years,” he says.
He is also very excited that the president appears to have recognised him when Carrie Lam introduced him to Xi.
Zeman says Xi was accompanied by a few mainland officials, while people in the front row included Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, eldest son of late billionaire Henry Fok Ying-tung, tycoon Charles Ho Tsu-kwok, and a number of pro-Beijing heavyweights such as Elsie Leung, Leung Chun-ying, Maria Tam Wai-chu and Rita Fan.
Tam Yiu-chung, the city’s sole representative to the nation’s top legislative body, missed the photo session at the last minute because of an undetermined result for his Covid-19 test.


‘An honour for everybody’

President Xi Jinping met individually with the city’s outgoing leader, Carrie Lam, at the convention centre.
He also met Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung and Legislative Council president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, as well as principal officials and permanent secretaries of the outgoing government, among others.
Xi praised the outgoing chief executive, saying the central government “fully recognised” her work in the past five years and that she fulfilled constitutional responsibilities “in a loyal manner”.
 “A lot of backbreaking work. Important contributions. A demonstration of the willingness to shoulder responsibilities,” he tells Lam, noting her effort to “stop violence and chaos, fight the pandemic with full force, integrate with the country’s development plan and safeguard national sovereignty, security, development interests and Hong Kong stability”.
Xi says he hopes Lam will “continue to contribute” to the development of Hong Kong and the country, and actively support the new administration.
In response, Lam says the past five years Hong Kong has gone through have been “extraordinary”. She thanks Xi for attending the handover anniversary celebrations despite Hong Kong’s “fluctuating” epidemic situation.
“This fully demonstrates President Xi’s care for compatriots in Hong Kong,” she says. “I feel very proud that I could contribute to the development of one country, two systems.”


Praise for Carrie Lam

First lady Peng Liyuan spent an hour at the Xiqu Centre in West Kowloon after arriving around 4.15pm.
She was briefed on the mega cultural district and the Xiqu Centre’s work in preserving Cantonese opera. She then attended a 10-minute rehearsal in the Tea House Theatre where three members of the centre’s in-house “Rising Stars Troupe” performed. Afterwards, she spoke to young actors and musicians before attending a rehearsal by the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble.
Peng was accompanied by the district’s performing arts head Naomi Chung Chun-chun and executive director Paul Tam Siu-man, Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs Kinnie Wong Kit-yee and liaison office deputy director Lu Xinning.
According to Chung, Peng showed great interest in the history of Cantonese opera and sympathised with the tough discipline and commitment the young artists had shown to their craft. 
She examined musical instruments and presented the cultural district with a full set of the guben xiqu cong kan - a collection of Chinese operas written from the Yuan to Qing dynasties.
The compilation of the collection was initiated by the late well-known literary historian Zheng Zhenduo, and took several decades to complete, a government spokesman says. “It has important historical and artistic value and represents a major achievement in safeguarding the national cultural heritage of traditional Chinese theatre,” he adds.


An hour at the opera

Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan will attend a dinner hosted by outgoing leader Carrie Lam and her husband Lam Siu-por at Government House, the chief executive’s official residence, on Thursday evening, according to a statement.   


Xi and his wife to attend dinner hosted by Carrie Lam

Beijing’s liaison office in the city is organising a symposium on Saturday to elaborate on what Xi’s messages and speeches mean to Hong Kong, sources have said. Pro-Beijing heavyweights scheduled to be at the meeting in the convention centre on Saturday will have to extend their hotel quarantine to be allowed to attend.


Liaison office’s symposium on Saturday

Footage released by the Hong Kong government on Xi’s meeting with elites at the convention centre shows him being escorted to a giant hall by incumbent leader Carrie Lam, and welcomed by rounds of applause.
Influential tycoons seen attending the photo-taking session include CK Hutchison Holdings chairman Victor Li Tzar-kuoi, Henderson Land co-chairman Peter Lee Ka-kit, Sino Land chairman Robert Ng, Fok Ying Tung Group’s CEO Ian Fok Chun-wan and MGM China’s chairwoman and managing director Pansy Ho Chiu-king.
According to CCTV, Xi also met representatives from Chinese-funded institutions and Hong Kong’s disciplined services.


Business tycoons invited to meet Xi

Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng, who is in Hong Kong, is among officials meeting Xi. 
Xi says the central government fully recognises the work of Ho and his administration, and hopes he will continue to “seek progress while maintaining stability, and unremittingly prevent and control the epidemic”.
Ho must also continue to “relieve people’s hardships, strive to promote economic recovery, firmly promote moderately diversified economic development, and make every effort to maintain social stability”, the president adds.



Macau leader’s work recognised, Xi says

President Xi Jinping has also met former chief executive Leung Chun-ying, a vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the country’s top advisory body.
Xi says that as a CPPCC vice-chairman Leung has devoted himself to the modernisation of the country and Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.
“This is very commendable. I hope you will fully support the new chief executive and the new SAR government in governing in accordance with the law, and work with people from all walks of life to make new contributions to the steady and long-term implementation of one country, two systems,” Xi adds.
Xinhua has also reported that Xi has “specially commissioned relevant parties to convey his greetings” to Tung Chee-hwa, another vice-chairman of the CPPCC and former chief executive.
Leung thanks Xi for his encouragement, and says he will do his best to continue to serve Hong Kong and the country.



Xi meets CY Leung, extends greetings to Tung

During his visit to the Science Park, Xi received reports from relevant officials and the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation on the development and prospects of information and technology in the city in recent years. 
Xi also visited the Hong Kong Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases, which develops therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease, and encouraged researchers and I&T enterprise representatives to redouble their efforts. The centre, a key laboratory of InnoHK, is headed by neuroscientist Nancy Ip Yuk-yu. 
Innovation and technology minister Alfred Sit Wing-hang and development minister Michael Wong Wai-lun shared with Xi plans for the San Tin “technopole” and Hung Shui Kiu-Ha Tsuen new development area in the northern part of the city. 
These two areas are connected with the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park and Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, as part of plans to better integrate the city into the country’s overall development.
Xi also spoke to about 30 science and technology professionals and youth entrepreneurs. Xi said Beijing cared a lot about young people of Hong Kong, and expected the city’s professionals to contribute to China’s technological development.



Xi extends support for youth and IT researchers

Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan are taking part in a closed-door banquet hosted by outgoing Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam at her official residence. She is expected to be joined by her husband Lam Siu-por, with Chief Executive-designate John Lee and his wife Janet Lam Lai-sim also attending.
After the banquet ends, Xi and Peng are expected to return to Shenzhen by high-speed train and travel back to Hong Kong on Friday morning to swear in the new administration.



Xi, Peng join banquet hosted by Lam

Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kong’s sole deputy to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, disclosed that he had tested positive for Covid-19 around noon. In a statement, Tam said he was largely fine but had a minor cough.  An earlier test on Thursday morning returned an “uncertain” result. 
He said Xi’s visit had significant meaning for Hong Kong and also demonstrated that the president had attached great importance to the city and cared much about Hongkongers. He wished the president a smooth visit in Hong Kong and for the celebratory events to be a success.


Tam tests positive for Covid-19

A convoy of more than 30 private and police vehicles, including the chief executive’s official car, arrives at the high-speed rail terminus at 10.13pm, with the president concluding day one of his visit.
In the end, Xi Jinping did not visit the PLA Hong Kong garrison on his first day, and it remains unclear whether he will inspect it on Friday.
Returning to Shenzhen by train, Xi is expected to come back to Hong Kong via high-speed rail on Friday morning.


First day passes

Thanks for joining our live coverage of day one of President Xi Jinping’s first visit to Hong Kong in five years. You can read a full report of the day’s events here.  
We hope to see you again on Friday for more live coverage of the president’s visit.


As it happened: Chinese leader Xi Jinping hails ‘vitality’ of ‘one country, two systems’ in arrival speech in Hong Kong, endorses it as a ‘good system’

President also says his heart has been with Hong Kong, noting city has risen from the ashes Xi's long-awaited visit is his first outside mainland China since the pandemic started in 2020

President also says his heart has been with Hong Kong, noting city has risen from the ashes

Xi's long-awaited visit is his first outside mainland China since the pandemic started in 2020