Hong Kong celebrated the seventh anniversary of its return to
the motherland on Thursday as Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa vowed
to redouble efforts to improve governance to meet the aspirations
of the community.
Tung made the pledge as he proposed a toast to Hong Kong's
future with about 1,000 guests at an official reception marking the
birthday of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (HKSAR).
He said the past year was a severe test for the government. Yet,
"Thanks to the staunch support of the central government and the
concerted efforts of all citizens, we have managed to tide over all
difficulties and Hong Kong has now turned the corner."
Tung said he was confident that Hong Kong's future would be even
better.
The day of celebrations started at 8 AM at Golden Bauhinia
Square with the hoisting of the national and HKSAR flags to the
national anthem in a solemn ceremony witnessed by about 3,000
dignitaries and representatives from all districts.
Four helicopters flew in formation overhead and a fireboat,
spraying water, passed in Victoria Harbor.
Led by Tung, the ceremony was attended by top officials,
including Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's
Government in Hong Kong Gao Siren; Commissioner Yang Wenchang of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong; and the Commander of
the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Wang Jitang.
Local deputies to the National People's Congress and members of
the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political
Consultative Conference, along with legislators and members of the
consular corps, also attended.
Shortly afterward, at a reception, Tung said the successful
implementation of "one country, two systems" had placed Hong Kong
in a new phase of historical development.
He said Hong Kong was at its most difficult moment this time
last year after six years of economic restructuring and the
outbreak of SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome.
Tung said Hong Kong's has rebounded strongly and public
confidence in its future has increased. However, there is still
room for improvement as many people have yet to gain from the
economic rebound.
Constitutional development will move forward in a gradual and
orderly manner in accordance with the Basic Law, with the ultimate
aim of universal suffrage.
About 15,000 people visited the People's Liberation Army (PLA)
Hong Kong Garrison barracks Thursday as part of the
celebration.
At Stonecutters' Island naval base and the barracks in Shek Kong
and Stanley, citizens of all ages attended a national flag-raising
ceremony, boarded military ships and got the chance to examine
helicopters and various weapons.
They also watched military training, song and dance performances
and acrobatic shows. Many visitors took photos with PLA
soldiers.
The opening to the public by the army camps has become a channel
for Hong Kong citizens to learn more about the soldiers' military
training, their studies and daily life.
Meanwhile, Xinhua News Agency reported that a demonstration took
place at Victoria Park Thursday afternoon.
Demonstrators gathered at the park at 2:30 PM and marched along
the streets, causing traffic jams.
The central government has made various efforts to maintain Hong
Kong's stability and prosperity, including signing the closer
Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) with Hong Kong and opening
to the public the barracks of the Hong Kong Garrison of the
People's Liberation Army.
In addition, the central government allowed the banks of Hong
Kong to run renminbi service and eased restrictions on mainland
travelers to Hong Kong. It also promoted establishment of the
Pan-Pearl River Delta Cooperation Framework, which was signed by
Hong Kong, Macao and eight provincial areas of the mainland earlier
last month.
All these moves received welcome and support by Hong Kong
residents.
(China Daily July 2, 2004)