Xi Jinping to visit Hong Kong in first trip outside mainland China since pandemic began
CNN
Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Hong Kong next week to mark the 25th anniversary of the city's handover to China, state media reported on Saturday -- the leader's first trip outside the mainland since the pandemic began.
"Xi Jinping will attend the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region," state news agency Xinhua said.
The confirmation comes after two top Hong Kong officials tested positive for Covid-19 this week, raising concerns over a potential visit by state leaders for the July 1 celebrations, which include the swearing in of the city's new leader on the anniversary of its 1997 handover from British rule.
After recent burglaries at homes of professional athletes – including Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce – the NFL and NBA have issued security memos to teams and players warning that “organized and skilled groups” are increasingly targeting players’ residences for such crimes.