How is Xi Jinping protected when he visits Hong Kong?

Barricades were installed around the hotel where Mr Xi was staying and nearly half of Hong Kong's police force was deployed to ensure security.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Hong Kong on June 29 to mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. He will attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam on July 1.

Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan will stay at the Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel in Wan Chai, while his entourage will stay at the adjacent Grand Hyatt Hotel. The Grand Hyatt is actually a more luxurious hotel than the Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View, but Xi and his wife were placed there for security reasons. At the hotel, the two can enter a bulletproof car in a covered area, according to SCMP.

“No other guests will be allowed into the two hotels during the visit. This means more than 1,300 rooms will be empty for three nights,” a source said.

To prevent the risk of vehicle attacks, about 300 barriers were installed around two hotels and the Convention and Exhibition Center - where Ms. Lam was sworn in. Each of these barriers is filled with 1.5 tons of water. The staff in charge said it took 7-8 minutes to fill one barrier.

About 11,000 of Hong Kong's 29,000 police officers were involved in protecting Xi and his wife. They were deployed at various observation points along the official route.

When traveling between locations, Xi and Peng will ride in one of two bulletproof limousines used by the Hong Kong police. Snipers may also be deployed at some locations, especially when Xi is outdoors, while plainclothes police will blend in with civilians.

Xi’s motorcade included 59 police officers, all trained to deal with emergencies. They said they had studied and analyzed terrorist incidents around the world to prevent similar incidents from happening in Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s senior inspector Steven Chong Kam-yan said the motorcade could turn around or change direction if protesters blocked the road.

Police in the motorcade escorting Mr. Tap. Photo: GovHK

A restricted flight zone will be set up over Wan Chai and Victoria Harbour from June 29 to July 1. More than 10 coast guard vessels are expected to patrol around Victoria Harbour 24 hours a day. Hospitals in the city are also preparing for the visit, stocking up on blood in case of emergency.

Intelligence officials are said to be monitoring the protesters. Police have received several applications for demonstrations near Wan Chai. They stressed that the police will not ignore any acts of violence and public disorder.

RTHK quoted sources as saying that information about the unofficial events Xi will attend will be kept secret. Police will set up security areas at the venues but will only notify the media two hours before Xi arrives.

Coast Guard officers conduct drills at Victoria Harbour ahead of the visit. Photo: HKFP

While Hong Kong police handle the bulk of security, Xi’s direct protectors will be the 8341 Corps. The force was established by Chairman Mao Zedong in 1949 shortly before the founding of the People’s Republic of China and is responsible for the personal security of China’s top leaders.

SCMP quoted an insider as saying that under Hong Kong law, Xi’s bodyguards would not be allowed to carry weapons. However, a source said they could ask the local government to make an exception.

"All threats to the safety of the Chinese President will be dealt with decisively," Hong Kong police official Cheng Yiu-mo said.

According to VNE