Hong Kong marks handover anniversary amid protests

Embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam appeared in public for the first time in more than 10 days to officiate at a flag-raising ceremony on Monday to mark the 22nd anniversary of the city's handover to Beijing under a deal to ensure its autonomy. Lam raised a toast after the annual ceremony with high-ranking officials as protesters gathered outside the Hong Kong convention center, the ceremony venue.

The Hong Kong leader also mentioned in her remarks about the 'social differences' between the people and government officials in the 'past month', citing that she learned that the government need to be more 'patience'. The July 1 anniversary of the 1997 handover has been marked in recent years by deepening despondency about what many residents see as increasing meddling by the mainland and the erosion of freedoms.