Hong Kong police confirm Xi Jinping to visit for 25th anniversary

Hong Kong police have confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the city this week for the 25th anniversary of the former British colony's return to Chinese rule.

Assistant Police Commissioner Lui Kam-ho said at a news conference that Xi will attend a number of official events including the inauguration of Hong Kong's next leader on Friday.

Mr Xi will be his first trip outside mainland China since the COVID 19 epidemic took hold about two and a half years ago.

It comes as Hong Kong is dealing with a new spike in infections after what was the worst and deadliest COVID- 19 outbreak earlier this year.

As he prepares to start an expected third, five-year term as the head of China's ruling Communist Party, the anniversary is highly symbolic for Mr Xi, who wants to be seen as a national rejuvenation as this coming fall in the northern hemisphere.

Part of the rejuvenation is eradicating the legacy of colonialism and what the party regards as unequal treaties that granted territorial concessions to Britain and other foreign nations during the waning years of the Qing Dynasty, which ended in 1911.

Security measures will be put in place to protect Mr Xi, including security zones and road closures around the venue for the ceremony, police said.

Barriers have already been erected in the area.

The security operation will not be harmed by anything that could interfere with it, he said.

If a person behaves in a manner that threatens life or property, harms public order or threatens public safety, we will take resolute action.