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Xi Jinping leaves mainland China for the first time since beginning of pandemic

30 June 2022 11:57 (UTC +04:00)

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has left mainland China for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, arriving in Hong Kong Thursday ahead of the 25th anniversary of the city's handover from British to Chinese rule, APA reports citing CNN.

Xi is expected to spend two days in the financial hub and attend a series of official events to mark both the July 1 handover and the inauguration ceremony of the city's next Beijing appointed leader John Lee, a former police officer and security chief.

Xi arrived in the city Thursday afternoon, via high-speed train from the Chinese border city of Shenzhen, whereupon he was met by large crowd waving national flags and chanting in unison, "Welcome, welcome, a warm welcome."

Xi was then led along a red carpet, as colorful lion dancers performed, adding to the din of drumming, chanting and trumpets.

Xi was first greeted by Hong Kong's departing Chief Executive Carrie Lam and her top officials. After exchanging a few words, Xi and his delegation slowly made their way through the station, waving to the crowd and speaking with other officials present.