Chinese President Xi Jinping unveils visit to Hong Kong on 25th anniversary

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Chinese President Xi Jinping unveils visit to Hong Kong on 25th anniversary

Photo taken on June 28, 2022 shows the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong return to the motherland in Hong Kong, South China. July 1 this year marks the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. On Thursday afternoon, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Hong Kong by train at the West Kowloon Station, Hong Kong, and unveiled his visit to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region HKSAR on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland. This is the first visit of the Chinese President to the HKSAR since 2017. Since the COVID 19 epidemic in early 2020, this is Xi's first publicly announced visit outside the Chinese mainland. This visit will be of great significance as observers expect that his speech will point out the direction of the city's future development, especially after the implementation of the national security law for Hong Kong and electoral system reform, which has helped restore the city's stability. Carrie Lam, the outgoing chief executive of HKSAR, and Luo Huining, director of the central government s liaison office in Hong Kong, welcomed Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan on the station platform. They were surrounded by local residents and students who waved the Chinese national flags, flowers and banners with the words warmly welcome President Xi to the celebration for the 25th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the HKSAR. The lion dance was displayed inside the station and the atmosphere of excitement was palpable. Xi extended congratulations and best wishes to Hong Kong compatriots, as he gave a short speech inside the station. He said that he has always been concerned about Hong Kong and that his heart is always with Hong Kong compatriots. It's been five years since my last visit to Hong Kong, Xi said upon arrival at the West Kowloon high-speed rail station. Over the past five years, I have been concerned about and cared for Hong Kong, and my heart is always with Hong Kong compatriots, Xi said.