IT IS the rainy season in Hong Kong, but for journalists and others greeting Xi Jinping at the airport, on his first visit to the territory as China’s leader, the order was categorical: no umbrellas. Officials have grown sensitive about antipluvial implements since yellow umbrellas became a symbol of opposition during largely peaceful protests in 2014 against Chinese proposals for restricting democracy in Hong Kong. Mr Xi came for three days to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China on July 1st 1997. Yet to judge from the precautions taken on his behalf, he seemed to think he was passing through enemy-held territory.
For Mr Xi’s visit, no-fly zones were decreed. The harbour buzzed with fast-pursuit boats. Workers were not allowed out of their offices until the president’s armoured cavalcade had passed. Massive barricades were thrown up in Wanchai, the district where Mr Xi was billeted in a luxury hotel and the anniversary celebrations were held in a...Continue reading
Source: China http://ift.tt/2tuJ88Q
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