HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government held a grand flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Chief Executive John Lee and other senior officials, including three former chief executives, gathered at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai to mark the occasion. They stood solemnly as the national and SAR flags were raised to the accompaniment of the national anthem played by a police band.
Addressing a subsequent national day reception, CE Lee said Hong Kong will continue to play a unique role in connecting the nation with the rest of the world. He emphasized that Hong Kong’s development is inextricably linked with that of the country, which provides the “strongest backing” for the city.
Lee noted that Hong Kong is spearheading the high-quality development of the Greater Bay Area, integrating the region’s systems and regulations on a broader scale. He said the city is also undergoing an important economic transition, presenting more opportunities than challenges.
“Together, let us ride on the momentum of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China to advance reforms, progress, and prosper together with the country,” Lee said, urging the people to contribute to China’s modernization and national rejuvenation.
The flag-raising ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including the liaison office chief from Beijing. Similar events were held at other government offices in the city, underscoring the significance of the occasion for Hong Kong.