The Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions (SAR) held flag-raising ceremonies and receptions on Saturday to mark the 73rd founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

Hong Kong's prosperity backed by the motherland

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has always received strong support from the central government in the face of opportunities and shocks, Chief Executive of the HKSAR John Lee said, hailing the "One Country, Two Systems" principle as a fundamental guarantee for the city's prosperity and stability. 

Lee made the remarks at the reception in celebrating the National Day at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, after attending the flag-raising ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square.

In early 2022, Hong Kong experienced serious challenges posed by COVID-19, Lee said. And the central government gave full support to help curb the pandemic, sending expert teams and medical teams and emergency supplies via railway and waterway links, and established makeshift hospitals within seven days.

"We will never forget the 'China speed,' reflecting the caring of the Chinese people for compatriots and their eagerness to protect Hong Kong."

The chief executive also said the HKSAR government officials have visited various districts and met different sectors in person or online to gauge their views, and the preparation of his Policy Address has entered the final stage.  

Lee noted that over the past two years, the central government has promulgated and implemented the National Security Law in Hong Kong, improved the HKSAR's electoral system and implemented the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle, turning Hong Kong from chaos to normal governance. 

Macao to further act proactively in various aspects with motherland's support

Macao SAR Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng said Macao will give better play to its unique advantage and act proactively in economic development, diversity promotion and improvements on people's livelihood, aiming to break new ground for Macao.

During the National Day reception, Ho said the motherland is the strong support that maintains Macao's peace and prosperity, and the central government has always cared about Macao's development and fully supported Macao in pandemic prevention and control, economic development and harmony promotion.

A series of measures benefiting Macao was proposed by the central government recently, Ho said, adding that these measures will surely help restore Macao's economic vitality and improve people's livelihoods.

The Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin has made significant achievements this year, Ho noted, eyeing more pragmatic policies to facilitate Macao's better integration into the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The practice has proven that the "One Country, Two Systems" principle meets the fundamental interests of the nation and Macao, gaining full support from people in the motherland and Macao, and getting universal approval from the international community, Ho said, adding that by firmly adhering to the principle, Macao will forge ahead to contribute more to the upcoming 20th CPC National Congress and national rejuvenation.

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover: The flag-raising ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square, Hong Kong, China, October 1, 2022. /CFP)