Xi hails HK’S ‘rise from the ashes’

Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, praised Hong Kong’s rebirth “from the ashes” as he made his first trip outside mainland China in two years, in a strict Covid and security bubble.

Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, are visiting the former British colony to mark 25 years since the territory was returned to Beijing.

As they arrived in the city they were greeted by schoolchildren, musicians and city officials — some of the more than 3000 people who were forced to quarantine and conduct daily PCR tests this week for the visit.

“Hong Kong has withstood severe tests again and again, overcoming challenges one by one,” Xi said.

“After the wind and rain, Hong Kong has risen from the ashes.”

Xi’s presence in Hong Kong signifies his backing for the city’s intense crackdown on pro-democracy opposition through the 2020 national security law and a zero-covid policy that has led to thousands being forced out of their homes into quarantine.

The West has criticised the city’s diminishing freedoms as a violation of basic human rights.

In what is likely to be interpreted as a sign of their displeasure, Brian Davidson, Britain’s consul general in Hong Kong, and Hanscom Smith, US consul general, are among top representatives who will not be attending the handover ceremony, sources say.

Liz Truss, the UK Foreign Secretary, condemned the “steady erosion of political and civil rights since the imposition of the national security law”.

“The United Kingdom’s historic commitment to Hong Kong and its people endures,” she added, saying the UK would “continue to challenge China”.

Despite Chinese and Hong Kong flags being strung along streets to create a festive atmosphere, the security restrictions made for a tense mood. Telegraph Group Ltd