Keith Tsuji, Getty ImagesChinese President Xi Jinping waves as he arrives at Hong Kong International Airport.
Kin Cheung, The Associated PressChinese President Xi Jinping, center, sings with Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, left, Chief Executive-elect Carrie Lam, right, and Hong Kong artists during the grand variety show as part of the ceremony.
Vincent Yu, The Associated PressProtesters carry a large image of jailed Chinese Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo as they march during the annual pro-democracy protest in Hong Kong, Saturday, July 1, 2017. Thousands joined an annual protest march in Hong Kong, hours after Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his visit to the city by warning against challenges to Beijing's sovereignty.
Anthony Wallace, AFP/Getty ImagesA banner which reads 'Democracy' (L) is carried during a protest march in Hong Kong. China's President Xi Jinping warned July 1 that any challenge to Beijing's control over Hong Kong crossed a "red line", as thousands calling for more democracy marched through the city 20 years since it was handed back by Britain.
Vincent Yu, The Associated PressA protester shouts slogans against Chinese President Xi Jinping as pro-democracy protesters march. Thousands joined an annual protest march in Hong Kong, hours after Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his visit to the city by warning against challenges to Beijing's sovereignty.
Kin Cheung, The Associated PressChildren hit cardboard boxes with photos of former Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying. Thousands joined an annual protest march in Hong Kong, hours after Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his visit to the city by warning against challenges to Beijing's sovereignty.
Vincent Yu, The Associated PressPro-democracy activists hold photos of detained Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Liu Xiaobo during a protest.
Ng Han Guan, The Associated PressPro-democracy activists try to get past a security barricade to deliver their demands to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi landed in Hong Kong Thursday to mark the 20th anniversary of Beijing taking control of the former British colony, accompanied by a formidable layer of security as authorities showed little patience for pro-democracy protests.
Ng Han Guan, The Associated PressPro-democracy protesters clash with pro-China counter-protesters blocking their march to the venue where official ceremonies are being held Chinese President Xi Jinping's three-day visit aimed at stirring Chinese patriotism in the former British colony people has promoted a massive police presence.
Anthony Wallace, AFP/Getty ImagesA protester holds a wok-shaped artwork with pictures showing the faces of Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Zhang Dejiang, Chinese President Xi Jinping, former chief executive of Hong Kong Leung Chun-ying, new Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam, (bottom row L-R) Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong Zhang Xiaoming, former Hong Kong chief executive Tung Chee-hwa and Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office Wang Guangya during a protest march. China's President Xi Jinping warned July 1 that any challenge to Beijing's control over Hong Kong crossed a "red line", as thousands calling for more democracy marched through the city 20 years since it was handed back by Britain.
Isaac Lawrence, AFP/Getty ImagesPeople attend a protest march in Hong Kong on July 1, 2017. China's President Xi Jinping warned July 1 that any challenge to Beijing's control over Hong Kong crossed a "red line", as thousands calling for more democracy marched through the city 20 years since it was handed back by Britain.
Ng Han Guan, The Associated PressPeople shelter with umbrellas as they watch the fireworks set off to mark the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong handover to China in Hong Kong, Saturday, July 1, 2017.
Kin Cheung, The Associated PressFireworks explode over the Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor, Saturday, July 1, 2017.
Keith Tsuji, Getty Images
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Chinese President Xi Jinping waves as he arrives at Hong Kong International Airport.
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By Dean Krakel | The Denver Post and The Associated Press | The Associated Press
PUBLISHED:
Getting your player ready...
HONG KONG — Chinese President Xi Jinping warned Saturday that any activities in Hong Kong seen as threatening China’s sovereignty and stability would be “absolutely impermissible,” employing some of his harshest language yet against burgeoning separatist sentiment in the territory.
In a speech marking 20 years since the city became a semi-autonomous Chinese region after its handover from Britain, Xi pledged Beijing’s support for the “one country, two systems” blueprint, under which Hong Kong controls many of its own affairs and retains civil liberties including free speech.