Signs point to Xi visit as police told to prepare

President Xi Jinping appears set to visit Hong Kong for the 25th anniversary of the July 1 handover, with police having received an order to prepare for the arrival of the state leader.

The force will deploy over 10,000 officers with the latest equipment for protecting the president, Eastweek magazine said, and the central government is also sending staff to Hong Kong.

And if Xi is in the SAR on June 30 he will be able to swear in chief executive-elect John Lee Ka-chiu and the next administration.

Authorities have prepared backup plans in case of a rebound in the pandemic, with various ceremonies covered by arrangements designed to ensure safety of attendees.

Police will also mount what will be the strictest-ever measures for a Xi visit. It would be the first time in 28 months Xi has left the mainland.

There will be a special steering committee to handle security for the handover silver anniversary led by deputy commissioner of police of operations Albert Yuen Yuk-kin.

It is understood a large number of surveillance cameras have been set up near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Grand Hyatt hotel in Wan Chai to enhance security.

Nearby roads will also be sealed at least one day before Xi arrives, with troops and armored vehicles deployed.

The police's national security department has reinforced monitoring of potential terrorism and some Beijing officials will be in Hong Kong at the end of this month.

Previous visits by the a state leader to Hong Kong have been announced a week or less before arrivals, but authorities are now preparing on the assumption that Xi will indeed be here for the July 1 anniversary.

"If the pandemic situation in Hong Kong deteriorates after Xi announces he will come to the SAR the ceremonies will have to be held at venues that allow for closed-loop management," a source said. "The most popular choice of main premises in a backup plan is the AsiaWorld-Expo near the airport."

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said yesterday that preparations to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the handover are under way.

While not confirming Xi will be in Hong Kong she did say: "The 25th anniversary is an important day and we are very eager for the leader to visit Hong Kong and deliver important speeches."

She said the SAR administration is happy to see the pandemic being brought under control and will reactivate celebration activities after many events were put on hold.