China: Handover anniversary events to take place in Hong Kong July 1

Event

Hong Kong will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the city's handover to mainland China July 1. The government has designated the day as a public holiday. While event venues and expected attendance remain unclear, authorities have quarantined at least 1,000 participants, including Hong Kong officials and Chief Executive Carrie Lam, ahead of the anniversary due to COVID-19 concerns. Reports indicate that Chinese state leaders and President Xi Jinping could also attend the celebrations, with a possible site visit to the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Although unlikely, pro-democratic protests may still occur at a small scale ahead of and during the anniversary.

Heightened security measures - including vehicle inspections, roadblocks, and increased patrols - are almost certain, especially near event venues, government buildings, and transport hubs. Police will almost certainly deploy to sensitive sites. Localized ground transport disruptions are likely near event venues hosting Chinese and Hong Kong leaders. Temporary traffic congestion is possible, as police could close roads to facilitate leaders' movements in the city. Security forces are likely to quell any demonstrations that occur quickly and may use force. Travel delays are possible on public transport due to enhanced checks. Flight delays at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), as well as disruptions to high-speed rail services between Hong Kong and the mainland, are possible as Chinese leaders arrive and depart the city.

Advice

Heed all instructions of local authorities. Plan for localized traffic disruptions, and flight and high-speed rail delays. Exercise caution near event sites. Plan for increased security and localized transport disruptions; use alternative routes to avoid celebrations. Allow additional time to reach destinations and confirm meetings near planned events.