Source: Hong Kong Information Services
A ceremony launching activities to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was held today at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR, the ceremony kicked off a series of celebratory events.
Combining celebratory activities with patriotic education, the programme seeks to celebrate the CPC’s journey and achievements, and to tell the story of Hong Kong’s successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.
Chief Executive John Lee and Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR Zhou Ji, officiated at the launch ceremony and gave speeches.
Other officiating guests were Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee Vice-Chairman C Y Leung; Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR Dong Jingwei; Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong SAR Cui Jianchun; Political Commissar of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Lai Ruxin; and Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Lee said that over the past 105 years, the Communist Party of China has upheld its objective and mission to unite Chinese people through perseverance and promote the prosperity of Chinese culture, leading the way to a new chapter in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
“Hong Kong is an indispensable part of the nation,” he said. “We have been sharing weal and woe with our country. Since returning to the motherland on July 1, 1997, Hong Kong has a strong backing to rely on for our long-term prosperity and stability, and a promising future.
“History powerfully proves that the Communist Party of China is the core leadership for national rejuvenation. The new China under the leadership of the Communist Party of China provides fundamental safeguards for the prosperity and development of Hong Kong.
“Under the great concept of ‘one country, two systems’ and its successful implementation, Hong Kong possesses the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the central government shows great care and love to Hong Kong, giving us staunch support. Hong Kong has embarked on a new journey from disorder to stability and prosperity, and this is a good manifestation of the great vitality of ‘one country, two systems.’”
Mr Zhou said in his speech that the “one country, two systems” principle is one of the CPC’s great innovations, and is an important core element of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, he added, the central government has provided full support to Hong Kong in encountering challenges, developing its economy and improving livelihoods, while maintaining the city’s unique positions and strengths.
Mr Zhou added that this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and in embarking on a new journey, the nation has very high expectations of Hong Kong attaining continued prosperity.
He said the nation strongly believes that Hong Kong will be able to, in the course of integrating into and serving the overall national development, achieve greater prosperity and stability. It will also be able to make new and greater contributions to building China into a great country and advancing national rejuvenation.
To encourage participation among the public, the District Offices in all 18 districts in Hong Kong will organise an array of celebratory events from July to August.
The Education Bureau has also included the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC in the National Education – Event Planning Calendar for the 2025-26 School Year to strengthen students’ understanding of the party’s development, and to enhance their affection for the country and the Chinese people.
Also in July and August, the Hong Kong SAR Government will stage events centred on the themes of China’s aerospace achievements and green transition, in celebration of the 105th anniversary of the CPC’s founding.
These events aim to introduce the nation’s achievements in these areas, as well as Hong Kong’s role and contributions, so as to strengthen a sense of national identity and national pride among citizens.
About 500 guests attended the launch ceremony, comprising senior government officials, representatives of the organs of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong, former Chief Executives, members of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council, Hong Kong SAR deputies to the National People’s Congress, Hong Kong SAR members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, members of the Working Group on Patriotic Education, students, youths, and representatives of district and business associations.
Before the launch ceremony began, the Hong Kong SAR Government arranged for guests to watch the anniversary celebration event in Beijing, which was broadcast live on RTHK TV 31 and 32.