China's Xi Jinping says Hong Kong 'risen from the ashes' amid crackdown on dissent — Radio Free Asia

Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) rule, saying the city had "risen from the ashes" under a draconian national security law that left former opposition lawmakers under house arrest and journalists shut out. of official events. "Hong Kong has resisted challenge after challenge and won many battles in recent years," Xi told a crowd that turned out to greet him, waving national flags and cheering, at the start of what observers said would be a highly stage-driven travel topic. for city-wide security measures. "Hong Kong…