Hong Kong marks Party's anniversary with events

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will host a series of events to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

At a launch ceremony on Wednesday, which marked both the 105th anniversary of the CPC's founding and the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the SAR government said the lineup will include thematic events highlighting the nation's achievements in space exploration and green transformation, as well as activities across all 18 districts of Hong Kong.

The celebrations are aimed at enhancing residents' understanding of the nation's major achievements, fostering national confidence and strengthening patriotic sentiment, especially among young people, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said.

Lee said that under the visionary concept and successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantages of having the strong support of the motherland while remaining closely connected to the world.

He said the Chinese nation has made remarkable achievements in improving people's livelihoods and developing the economy under the leadership of the CPC. The nation's development has provided a fundamental guarantee for Hong Kong's prosperity and progress, while the central government has consistently demonstrated deep care and steadfast support for the city, he added.

Hong Kong's transition from chaos to order and its progress toward greater prosperity demonstrate the vitality of the "one country, two systems" framework, Lee said.

Also addressing the ceremony, Zhou Ji, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, said this year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), and the nation has high expectations for Hong Kong.

By integrating into and serving the country's overall development, Hong Kong will achieve better development and enjoy greater prosperity and stability, while making even greater contributions to building a strong country and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Zhou said.

He added that the central government has fully supported Hong Kong in responding to various challenges while preserving the city's distinctive position and strengths.

After the ceremony, Hong Kong legislator Kenneth Fok Kai-kong said the country's rapid economic development and long-term social stability have been achieved under the leadership of the CPC.

"We must fully and faithfully implement the 'one country, two systems' policy, support the SAR's governance, better integrate into and serve the national development strategy, jointly safeguard Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, and contribute Hong Kong's strength to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," Fok said in a written reply.

Earlier on Wednesday, the SAR government held a reception to celebrate the anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. Lee said the SAR government will accelerate the formulation of the city's first five-year plan and the development of the Northern Metropolis to consolidate Hong Kong's advantages.

A video featuring the city's first astronaut, payload specialist Lai Ka-ying, was shown at the reception. Lai, who is serving aboard the Tiangong space station, said she hopes Hong Kong will become more prosperous and stable with the nation's support.

Lu Wanqing contributed to this story.