The government of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Thursday held a flag-raising ceremony and a reception to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The flag-raising ceremony took place at 8 a.m. at Macao's Golden Lotus Square. The national anthem was played, and China's national flag and the flag of the Macao SAR were hoisted.

The ceremony was followed by a reception hosted by the Macao SAR government at the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform Complex.

Speaking at the event, Macao SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said the SAR government has proactively aligned with the country's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), pooling wisdom and building consensus across all sectors to formulate and implement its own third five-year plan.

Looking ahead, the Macao SAR government will anchor its efforts on two key pillars – adopting refined governance with a "resident-centered" approach, as well as preventing and mitigating internal and external risks and challenges – thereby achieving sustainable development while effectively addressing these risks and challenges, Sam said.

He called for invigorating the market, enhancing the well-being of the people and striving to write a new chapter in the successful practice of "One Country, Two Systems" with Macao characteristics.