Hong Kong on Saturday held a grand celebration for the 9th
anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the
establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(HKSAR).
At a reception held on Saturday morning, Donald Tsang, Chief
Executive of HKSAR, spoke highly of the central government policy
toward the special administrative region.
Hong Kong's return to the motherland signifies the realization
of the concepts of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people
governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, he said.
He said that in implementing these concepts during the past nine
years, Hong Kong has achieved success while also encountering
challenges and difficulties.
"The concept of 'One Country, Two Systems' is an innovative
systemic arrangement. Its successful implementation will be
historically significant," said Tsang.
He told more than 1,000 officials, diplomats and celebrities
attending the reception that one of Hong Kong's most important
missions is to ensure the successful implementation of the concepts
of "One Country, Two Systems" and "Hong Kong people governing Hong
Kong."
Meanwhile, he said Hong Kong should grasp the opportunity of
economic growth and keep the economy of Hong Kong in good
shape.
Also a national flag raising ceremony was held early Saturday
morning as part of the grand celebration. Donald Tsang and other
senior officials from the HKSAR government attended the
ceremony.
In addition, over 50,000 people joined a parade on Saturday to
celebrate the 9th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the
motherland.
Parade was co-organized by more than 800 groups in Hong Kong in
this regard. A starting-off ceremony for the parade took place at
the Hong Kong Stadium, which was kicked off by the Hong Kong
garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army by raising the
national flag.
Guests who attended the ceremony included Peng Qinghua, deputy
director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government
in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Chief Secretary
for Administration of Hong Kong Rafael Hui.
The paraders set off at about 10:30 AM at the starting point,
marched through busy streets in Causeway Bay and Wanchai of the
Hong Kong Island, and ended at the Wanchai Southern Playground. It
carried more than 100 formations which gave on the way performances
such as the traditional Chinese lion and dragon dance.
The organizers said an estimated 50,000 people participated in
the parade, which was attractive to and welcomed by a large number
of local residents and tourists.
(Xinhua News Agency July 2, 2006)
