Anti-government protesters holding umbrellas march past police headquarters in Hong Kong, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019. Thousands of black-clad pro-democracy protesters defied a police ban and marched in central Hong Kong on Tuesday, urging China's Communist Party to "return power to the people" as the party celebrated its 70th year of rule. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe )
Hong Kong Protests
HONG KONG (AP) — Will he go or not? Chinese President Xi Jinping is keeping Hong Kong guessing about his possible appearance at the 25th anniversary of the former British colony’s return to China. The government has yet to say whether he will attend in person the events, which include the inauguration of the city’s new chief executive. The commemorations are hugely symbolic for Xi, who wants to be seen as propelling a “national rejuvenation” as he prepares for an expected third five-year term as head of the ruling Communist Party. Part of that is erasing the legacy of colonialism. Xi hasn’t left mainland China since the start of the coronavirus pandemic 2 1/2 years ago.
