At the start of a visit to the city, Chinese President declares Hong Kong a “reborn of fire”

On Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping made his first visit since Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement was quashed, claiming that the city had been “reborn of fire.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Hong Kong is an opportunity for the Communist Party of China to demonstrate its power after massive protests in the city in 2019 prompted Beijing to implement a brutal crackdown.

By saying that Hong Kong has faced “more than one serious test” and “overcome more than one risk and struggle,” Xi made the statement after arriving at the city’s high-speed rail terminal.

Resurrected by fire and with a powerful vitality, Hong Kong was born again following the storms.

Additionally, Friday’s anniversary is also a milestone in the 50-year governance plan agreed to by Britain and China in which the city would retain some autonomy and liberties.