'Glorious Event' Invited Hong Kong Students... Xi Jinping's Visit to Hong Kong

Middle and High School Students in Hong Kong to Attend Xi Jinping's Airport Welcome Event After 7-Day Quarantine Starting June 23
Hong Kong Police Mobilized for July 1st 25th Handover Anniversary Ceremony

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Hong Kong for a 1-night, 2-day trip on the 30th. This is Xi's first visit to Hong Kong in five years since the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover in 2017. It is also his first activity outside the border since the outbreak of COVID-19. This visit carries the meaning that Hong Kong is no longer outside the border but part of mainland China.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to Chinese media including the state-run Global Times on the 15th, the Hong Kong Educators Alliance Huang Chu-biao Middle School sent a notice to parents that some (vaccinated) students were invited to a "glorious event" on June 30 and July 1. The school announced through the notice that students invited to the event would be subject to quarantine for seven days starting June 23.

The "glorious event" refers to the airport welcome and send-off ceremony for the Chinese leader, effectively confirming President Xi's visit to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's COVID-19 prevention measures will also be strengthened. Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's Chief Executive, urged caution in epidemic prevention for central government officials attending the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover on July 1. She said, "Although daily infections in Hong Kong are rebounding, the numbers of severe and hospitalized patients remain stable," emphasizing efforts to control the epidemic.

Hong Kong police also issued a full mobilization order on the day of the event. The Hong Kong police authorities stated that they had assessed security risks related to the July 1 event in advance and would deploy sufficient personnel to ensure safe event management.

The prevailing view is that Hong Kong's Sinicization will accelerate with President Xi's visit.

The Global Times reported that to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover, over 900 national treasure-level relics from the Beijing Palace Museum will be exhibited in Hong Kong starting July 2. The Global Times emphasized that this is the largest number of relics ever taken out since the Beijing Palace Museum opened in 1925. This exhibition appears to be arranged to enhance Hong Kong's sense of belonging to China and historical awareness.

Earlier, Hong Kong's education authorities selected secondary school textbooks focused on Chinese history, including topics such as "Hong Kong under One Country, Two Systems," "China after Reform and Opening-up," and "Interconnected Modern Society."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.