HONG KONG: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday to mark 20 years since its return to China by Britain, with activists under arrest as authorities sought to avoid embarrassment during anniversary celebrations.

A huge security operation shut down large parts of the normally throbbing city, with thousands of police deployed to keep away demonstrators angry at Beijing’s tightening grip on the freedoms of nearly eight million people.

The lockdown reflects Beijing’s concern that nothing should be allowed to taint the high-profile visit, ahead of a key Communist Party congress later this year which is expected to cement Mr Xi’s position as the most powerful Chinese leader in a generation.

More than 20 activists — including Joshua Wong and young legislator Nathan Law — remained in custody on Thursday night after being arrested for causing a “public nuisance” during a Wednesday night protest.

President says he wants to ensure continuation of city’s ‘one country, two systems’ set-up

The three-day visit is Mr Xi’s first since becoming leader in 2013, and comes three years after huge pro-democracy protests crippled the semi-autonomous city for months as “Umbrella Movement” campaigners camped out on thoroughfares.

Mr Xi’s trip began with his arrival at Chek Lap Kok airport on an Air China plane, where he emerged holding hands with his wife, singer Peng Liyuan, to be welcomed by a marching band and flag-waving children.

He pledged support to Hong Kong and said the city had a place in his heart, adding that he wanted to ensure the continuation of Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” set-up, which is enshrined in the handover deal and gives it rights unseen on the mainland.

Pro-democracy campaigners say the system is being eroded as Beijing interferes in a range of areas, from politics to education and media.

Later in the day, while meeting unpopular city leader Leung Cheung-ying and senior officials, Mr Xi praised the government for “dealing a blow” to an independence movement that has infuriated Beijing.

Calls for the city to break away from China grew out of the failure of the mass pro-democracy rallies in 2014 to win political reform.

Mr Xi also complimented Leung for his “firm” handling of the city and dealing with what he called “accumulated problems”.

Fresh protests

Protesters gathered on Thursday night outside the city’s Court of Final Appeal for a candlelit vigil for cancer-stricken Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo who was released on medical parole earlier this week, but remains on the mainland.

“Xi Jinping came to Hong Kong. We want to say we don’t want any blessing. We don’t want your support for Hong Kong,” said activist and former lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan.

“Today we just want to say one thing: Free Liu Xiaobo!” A reporter had earlier shouted to Mr Xi on the airport tarmac, asking whether he would free Mr Liu. The question was ignored.

Mr Xi and his entourage have taken over two hotels near the convention centre on Hong Kong Island’s famed waterfront. The area has been cordoned off by giant water-filled barricades and police have said they are taking “counter-terrorism security measures” to ensure Mr Xi’s safety.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2017