Hong Kong has overcome its challenges and 'risen from the ashes,' says Xi

Hong Kong has overcome its challenges and "risen from the ashes," Xi Jinping said on Thursday, as the Chinese president arrived in the city to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the island's return to the motherland.

Xi will swear in the global financial hub's new leader, John Lee, on Friday during his first visit to the city since 2017, which is also his first known trip outside the mainland in more than two years, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wearing masks, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, stepped off a high-speed train to be greeted by children waving flowers and Chinese and Hong Kong flags and chanting "Welcome, welcome, warmly welcome" in Mandarin.

Xi congratulated Hong Kong compatriots and extended his best wishes on the occasion marking the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

Xi said he was very pleased to visit again. "Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. People of all ethnic groups across the country will join Hong Kong compatriots in celebrating this joyous event. I would like to extend my warm congratulations and best wishes to the compatriots of Hong Kong."

"It has been five years since my last visit to Hong Kong," added Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, upon arrival at West Kowloon station.

Over the past five years, "I have been all along concerned about Hong Kong, and my heart is always with Hong Kong compatriots.

"Hong Kong has withstood severe tests again and again, overcoming challenges one by one," Xi noted during a brief speech. "After the wind and rain, Hong Kong has risen from the ashes."

Facts have proven the great strength of "one country, two systems," which guarantees Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability and ensures the well-being of Hong Kong compatriots.

"It can guarantee long-term stability and prosperity in Hong Kong, and defend the well-being of Hong Kong people," he added.

"A brighter future will beckon, if we forge ahead with perseverance," said Xi. As long as "one country, two systems" is upheld unswervingly, Hong Kong will surely have an even brighter future and make greater contributions to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Outgoing city leader Carrie Lam and her husband were among those who welcomed Xi at the station, which has not been used for two years because of COVID-19 curbs.

City streets were festooned with red China flags and posters declaring a "new era" of stability.

A housewife in her 40s surnamed Luk said that she was taking a look out of curiosity as her child was busy ice-skating.

"These couple of years, because of the pandemic, there's not much of a festive atmosphere. Hopefully this (visit) can cheer everyone up, as it is something happy."

Xi's full official schedule for the visit has not been released.

On his last visit to Hong Kong, Xi warned against any acts endangering China's sovereignty, saying the city needed to beef up its national security arrangements.

Lui Kam-ho, a senior policeman, warned against any acts of violence or public disorder. The police force of more than 30,000 said it would deploy its resources to ensure security for the celebrations.

Police closed parts of Hong Kong, blocking roads and enforcing a no-fly zone over Victoria Harbour.

Angel Chau, 62, was excited.

"It shows how much he values Hong Kong," she gushed.