(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Hong Kong to mark 20-years since the territory was handed back to China by Britain.
The highly symbolic visit, President Xi’s first since becoming leader in 2012, comes amid an increasingly tense political climate.
Official celebrations are planned, as well as large protests from pro-democracy and pro-Beijing camps.
Several well-known activists were arrested on the eve of President Xi’s arrival.
President Xi arrived for the three-day visit with his wife Peng Liyuan at the city’s main Chek Lap Kok Airport. The couple were welcomed by a marching band and children waving flags.
In a brief speech on the tarmac, he said, “Hong Kong was always in my heart.”
Courtesy: BBC
