China's Hong Kong on Thursday held various events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 24th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

China's national flag and the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) were hoisted and the national anthem was played at a ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square at about 8:00 a.m. local time in celebration of the anniversary.

Helicopters flew over Victoria Harbor, displaying the national and regional flags, and a fireboat sprayed a water-column salute. 

At a reception following the flag-raising ceremony, Acting Chief Executive of the HKSAR John Lee stressed that the development of Hong Kong has always been closely tied to the development of the motherland. 

"For the past 24 years, the central government has unswervingly supported the faithful implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems' in Hong Kong and has acted in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law," Lee said.

He also hailed the central government for halting chaos, plugging long-standing systemic loopholes, restoring order in Hong Kong and implementing "patriots administering Hong Kong" by adopting the national security law for Hong Kong and improving its electoral system. 

"Our country's Belt and Road Initiative, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development, domestic and international dual circulation development pattern, as well as the National 14th Five-Year Plan's support for Hong Kong, all bring unlimited development opportunities to Hong Kong," Lee stressed. 

Admitting the current-term HKSAR government has faced unprecedented challenges, Lee voiced his confidence over the future of Hong Kong. "Today, the governing team is more confident about the future of Hong Kong than at any moment in the past four years." 

"As long as we stand united, Hong Kong will certainly stride forward and scale new heights," Lee added. 

This year, July 1 also marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. 

Lee said the implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle is an important chapter of the CPC's great achievements over the past 100 years. 

A series of celebrations were organized across Hong Kong, including parades of buses and fishing vessels. A commemorative movie named "1921" is on the big screens in multiple cinemas.