On July 1, 2026, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) kicked off a citywide series of celebratory events marking two landmark milestones: the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. The dual commemorations, launched at an official opening ceremony, bring together thematic exhibitions highlighting China’s progress in space exploration and green development, alongside community-focused activities spread across all 18 of Hong Kong’s administrative districts, bringing celebrations to residents across the city.
In his opening address at the ceremony, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu outlined the core goals of the celebrations: to deepen Hong Kong residents’ understanding of the nation’s major developmental achievements over the past decades, nurture a stronger sense of national confidence, and reinforce patriotic sentiment across the community – with a particular focus on engaging young people.
Lee emphasized that under the thoughtful framework and successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” policy, Hong Kong holds a unique strategic advantage: it retains close, uninterrupted connections with global markets while standing firmly backed by the full support of the Chinese mainland. Under the CPC’s leadership, the Chinese nation has delivered extraordinary progress in boosting living standards and driving sustainable economic growth, Lee noted, adding that the nation’s overall advancement has laid a solid foundation for Hong Kong’s ongoing prosperity, and the central government has repeatedly shown unwavering care and steadfast support for the city.
“Hong Kong’s transition from chaos to stability, and its steady march toward greater prosperity, stands as clear proof of the enduring vitality of the ‘one country, two systems’ framework,” Lee told attendees.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Zhou Ji, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, pointed out that 2026 marks the start of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), and the nation holds high expectations for Hong Kong’s role in this new developmental phase. By actively integrating into and serving the country’s overall development blueprint, Zhou said, Hong Kong can unlock new growth opportunities, secure long-term prosperity and stability, and make greater contributions to the development of a powerful modern nation and the advance of national rejuvenation.
Zhou added that the central government has consistently offered full support to Hong Kong as it navigates a range of challenges, while helping the city preserve its unique competitive advantages and position in the global economy.
Following the ceremony, Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, a Hong Kong legislator, shared his perspective in a written statement, noting that China’s rapid economic expansion and long-term social stability would not have been possible without the CPC’s leadership. “We must fully and faithfully implement the ‘one country, two systems’ policy, support the HKSAR government in its governance work, 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.
Earlier in the day, the HKSAR government hosted an official reception to mark the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. At the reception, Lee announced that the SAR government will accelerate work to draft Hong Kong’s first-ever five-year development plan and advance construction of the Northern Metropolis project, moves designed to strengthen and consolidate Hong Kong’s core competitive advantages.
A pre-recorded video message from Lai Ka-ying, Hong Kong’s first homegrown astronaut and a payload specialist currently serving on China’s Tiangong Space Station, was screened for guests. In her message, Lai extended her wishes that Hong Kong will continue to grow more prosperous and stable under the unwavering support of the motherland. Ahead of the official ceremonies, a flotilla of fishing boats decked with China’s national flag and the flag of the HKSAR sailed through iconic Victoria Harbor, kicking off the day’s celebrations in a vivid display of national and civic pride.