China President Xi Jinping arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday to mark 20 years since its return to China by Britain, with activists under arrest as authorities sought to avoid embarrassment during anniversary celebrations. A huge security operation shut down large parts of the normally throbbing city, with thousands of police deployed to keep away demonstrators angry at Beijing's tightening grip on the freedoms of nearly eight million people.
Bodyguards escort the car of Chinese President Xi Jinping after his arrival at the airport in Hong Kong, ahead of celebrations marking the city's handover from British to Chinese rule, June 29, 2017. REUTERS/Bobby Yip
A police helicopter patrols behind Hong Kong flag as Chinese President Xi Jinping leaves the hotel, June 29, 2017. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu - RTS192N7
Chinese president Xi Jinping, Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and Chief Executive-elect Carrie Lam clap after watching two Chinese opera performers during a visit to Hong Kong's West Kowloon district, in Hong Kong June 29, 2017. REUTERS/Vincent Yu
Student protest leader Joshua Wong shouts as he is carried by policemen as protesters are arrested at a monument symbolizing the city's handover from British to Chinese rule, a day before Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived for the celebrations, in Hong Kong, June 28, 2017. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj
Another pro-democracy activist, carrying chains used in protest, is taken away by policemen in Hong Kong, June 28, 2017. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan arrive at the airport in Hong Kong, June 29, 2017. REUTERS/Bobby Yip
Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) speaks after his arrival at the airport in Hong Kong, China, as Hong Kong Chief Executive-elect Carrie Lam (first row, L) and Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying (first row, 2nd L) listen, June 29, 2017. REUTERS/Bobby Yip
Text: AFP Images: Reuters
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