Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has reiterated that the leadership of the Communist Party of China serves as a fundamental safeguard for the city’s prosperity, while outlining key priorities for his final year in office. His remarks came as Hong Kong commemorated both the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party and the 29th anniversary of the city’s handover to Chinese sovereignty.

On July 1, government-organized celebrations included a range of public activities such as free tram rides, admission to sports facilities, and discounts at various attractions. Despite the summer heat, many residents took part, and several crossed into Shenzhen, with border checkpoints experiencing heavy traffic.

Lee attended the annual handover events at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, which included a flag-raising ceremony and a reception. The chief executive also viewed a live broadcast from Beijing of the party’s anniversary ceremony, where President Xi Jinping reaffirmed support for the “one country, two systems” framework that governs Hong Kong. Xi emphasized that promoting the city’s stability and prosperity is key to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

In a speech launching local activities commemorating the party’s establishment, Lee described the Communist Party as the core leadership responsible for national rejuvenation and the foundation for Hong Kong’s development. He pledged to foster patriotism, particularly among younger generations, and to increase public understanding of China’s achievements under party leadership. Planned events include exhibitions on aerospace advancements, community seminars, and screenings of patriotic films.

Zhou Ji, director of the central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong, expressed strong confidence in the city’s future amid China’s 15th five-year plan, noting that Hong Kong’s progress under Lee’s leadership would contribute to national growth. Earlier at the handover reception, Lee emphasized that party rule is the principal political system according to the Chinese constitution, which also protects Hong Kong’s capitalist system and way of life.

Reflecting on his first four years as chief executive, Lee highlighted a cultural shift within the government towards a results-driven approach focused on resolving longstanding challenges. He identified three main priorities for his remaining term: the preparation of Hong Kong’s inaugural five-year plan, the continued development of the Northern Metropolis megaproject, and enhancements to the city’s livelihood sectors, including housing, transportation, healthcare, education, welfare, and youth development.

The five-year plan, currently in public consultation, aims to guide policies across diverse areas related to residents’ well-being and economic growth. Meanwhile, the Northern Metropolis initiative is advancing from planning stages to implementation, focusing on transforming a 30,000-hectare area near the mainland border into a hub for technology, housing, and education.

The anniversary reception featured a video message from Hong Kong’s first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, who appeared from the Tiangong space station. Displaying a Hong Kong flag, Lai highlighted the unique opportunities afforded by the “one country, two systems” arrangement and expressed hope for the city’s continued thriving.

Across Hong Kong, residents took advantage of promotions and events organized to mark the handover anniversary. Restaurants offered special deals, the Peak Tram provided discounted fares, and cultural institutions such as the M+ museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum reported large numbers of visitors enjoying free admission. At border crossings, especially Shenzhen Bay and West Kowloon, many residents traveled to the mainland for short holidays.

The celebratory atmosphere underscored Hong Kong’s evolving relationship with mainland China amid ongoing political and economic integration, framed by the city’s unique governance model under the Communist Party’s leadership.