Hong Kong is set to host a series of events commemorating the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), with activities planned across all 18 districts of the city. The announcement was made at a launch ceremony on Wednesday, which coincided with the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stated that the events aim to deepen residents’ understanding of the country’s major achievements, particularly in areas like space exploration and environmental sustainability, while fostering national confidence and patriotic sentiment among Hong Kong’s population, especially young people. The planned activities include seminars, exhibitions on aerospace development, visits to sustainable development sites such as the TPARK complex in Tuen Mun, as well as film screenings and museum tours organised by district offices and local groups. Among these is a screening and discussion of the film *1921*, which portrays the party’s founding, and youth-focused patriotic study sessions in various districts.

Zhou Ji, director of Beijing’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong, highlighted the significance of the celebrations under the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) and expressed high expectations for Hong Kong’s role in the national development agenda. He noted the continued central government support aimed at maintaining the city’s distinctive status and strengths while promoting prosperity and stability.

The government’s announcement marked a more prominent approach to celebrating the CPC’s anniversary compared to previous years. In 2021, during the centenary celebrations, Hong Kong’s former Chief Executive Carrie Lam led a delegation to Beijing, while the city held smaller-scale events including exhibitions and commemorative stamp issuance. Past commemorations involved cooperation between the Liaison Office, the local government, and patriotic groups, featuring forums and performances, but were less publicly emphasised by the Hong Kong administration itself.

Analysts and local politicians have linked the current expansion of celebratory activities to increased social and political stability following recent changes in Hong Kong’s political landscape, including the enforcement of the National Security Law in 2020. According to some experts, the law’s effects, alongside national education initiatives, have reduced opposition and fostered greater respect for the CPC among residents, making it possible to hold more open and extensive celebrations.

One consultant observed that the party is not expected to directly govern the city or challenge its autonomy under the “one country, two systems” framework, and that the activities primarily focus on national education rather than political influence. Executive Council convenor Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee emphasized the importance of recognising the party’s historical achievements, particularly given its previous vilification by opposition groups in Hong Kong.

During the same day’s ceremony, a video message from Lai Ka-ying, an astronaut from Hong Kong aboard the Tiangong space station, was featured. Lai expressed hope that with the country’s support, Hong Kong will continue to develop prosperity and stability. Meanwhile, the SAR government also announced plans to accelerate the development of the city’s first five-year plan and the Northern Metropolis project to strengthen its competitiveness.

The commemorations reflect ongoing efforts to reinforce Hong Kong’s integration with national development goals while maintaining its unique characteristics under the “one country, two systems” principle.