Communist Party a ‘fundamental safeguard’ of Hong Kong’s prosperity: John Lee
City leader also sets priorities for final year of his tenure during handover and party anniversary celebrations
The leadership of the Communist Party is a “fundamental safeguard” of Hong Kong’s prosperity, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said, pledging to cultivate patriotism among young people and enhance residents’ understanding of China’s achievements as the city mounts citywide celebrations for the party’s 105th anniversary.
Wednesday also marked the 29th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty, and Lee set out priorities for the final year of his five-year term – Hong Kong’s first five-year plan, the Northern Metropolis megaproject and livelihood targets.
With the July 1 handover anniversary a public holiday in Hong Kong, residents and tourists took advantage of a range of promotions, including free tram rides and admission to sports facilities, as part of the government-coordinated celebrations, while many people flocked to Shenzhen to spend the day, crowding key checkpoints.
In the morning, Lee and other dignitaries attended annual handover anniversary events, including a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai and a reception. They then watched a live broadcast of a ceremony in Beijing marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party, where President Xi Jinping reaffirmed his support for the “one country, two systems” principle under which Hong Kong is governed.
Xi also said promoting Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability was an “intrinsic requirement” for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Lee then delivered a speech at a separate ceremony to launch a range of local events to celebrate the party’s anniversary, marking the first time in five years that a city leader had done so since the party’s 100th anniversary in 2021.