Hong Kong: Potential unrest during Xi Jinping’s official visit June 29-July 1

Event

China confirmed on Friday, June 23, that President Xi Jinping will visit the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong from Thursday, June 29, through Saturday, July 1, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China from British rule. The visit is highly likely to be perceived as provocative to Hong Kong's pro-democracy and pro-independence activists. Protesters announced they will gather during the associated celebrations, shrouding Xi's visit in a huge security operation.

Xi will visit the garrison of China's People's Liberation Army in central Hong Kong and will inaugurate the territory's newly-elected leader Carrie Lam on July 1.

Context

On July 1, 1997, Britain returned Hong Kong back to China under a deal which gives Hong Kong widespread autonomy for 50 years.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to keep abreast of the situation, to anticipate transportation disruptions in the event of protests, and to avoid the vicinity of demonstrations as a precaution due to the potential for violence.