Hong Kong holds flag-raising ceremony to celebrate 28th anniversary of return to motherland

Tuesday marks the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. Streets across the city have been decorated with national and regional flags, as well as various posters bearing slogans such as "Celebrating the 28th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Return to the Motherland," "Celebrating the 28th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR" and "5th Anniversary of the Implementation of the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong," creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city. 

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government held a flag-raising ceremony and a reception to celebrate the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland on Tuesday morning, according to the CCTV News.  

The flag-raising ceremony took place at Golden Bauhinia Square, attended by Leung Chun-ying, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, John Lee, chief executive of the HKSAR, heads of central government offices in Hong Kong and representatives from various sectors of society, according to the media report. 

At 8 am, accompanied by the Hong Kong Police Band, the bright red national flag and the HKSAR regional flag were solemnly raised. All attendees stood in respect, facing the flags and singing the national anthem. Over Victoria Harbour, a helicopter formation from the Government Flying Service flew past, with the leading helicopter carrying a giant national flag followed closely by the regional flag. On the water, fireboats from the disciplined services sprayed water jets in salute.

Following the ceremony, the HKSAR Government hosted a celebratory reception at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Earlier in the morning, central government offices based in Hong Kong — including the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government, the Office for Safeguarding National Security, the Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison — also held their own flag-raising ceremonies.

To mark the anniversary, the HKSAR government announced the awarding of honors to nine individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to safeguarding national security including Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok, former Commissioner of Police Raymond Siu Chak-yee, secretary-general of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR Au Chi-kwong, who have each been awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star, local media RTHK reported. 

John Lee praised the nine recipients for their unwavering commitment and courage in the face of targeted, malicious attacks and pressure from external forces. He commended them for their active role in implementing the NSL for Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, highlighting their significant contributions.

"Today is a remarkable moment to memorize the anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. Members of the community are celebrating on every corner of the city with both the national and HKSAR flags being flown in public spaces," Chu Kar-kin, a Hong Kong-based veteran commentator and a member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, told the Global Times on Tuesday. 

In response to a handful of Western politicians and anti-China organizations who smeared and attacked human rights and freedom in Hong Kong on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the NSL in Hong Kong, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday that over the past five years since the promulgation and implementation of the NSL, Hong Kong's legal framework has been improved, the society enjoys greater stability and solidarity, and the rights and freedoms Hong Kong residents enjoy in accordance with the law have been fully protected.

Certain Western politicians and anti-China organizations' groundless and malicious smears against One Country, Two Systems, as well as their attacks on Hong Kong's rule of law, fully reveal their ill intention of destabilizing Hong Kong, the spokesperson said during a routine press conference.

Lawrence Tang Fei, a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council and vice president of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers, observed that this year's celebrations featured many special elements. For example, various districts hosted community fun days, using the opportunity to promote awareness of national security. 

Activities included discussions on the holistic view of national security, seminars, educational displays, booth games and performances — all aimed at strengthening public understanding of national security, Tang told the Global Times on Tuesday. 

"Young people are the future of both the country and Hong Kong, and the HKSAR government must fully promote patriotic education to enhance the younger generation's sense of national identity," Tang said, who also emphasized that education is a subtle, long-term effort, and patriotism must be nurtured from an early age. 

Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, it has not only maintained its status as an international financial, shipping and trade hub, but has also enhanced its position as a global center for higher education, Victor Chan Chi-ho, Senior Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Youth Commentators Association, told the Global Times on Tuesday. 

In terms of high-tech research and development, new achievements have been made. Recently, the central government supported Hong Kong in establishing the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation, further strengthening its role as a regional legal center, Chan noted. "Since its return, Hong Kong has not only preserved its existing advantages, but has also cultivated new growth points and new strengths. The Pearl of the Orient is indeed even more brilliant."