2017 News Map: A July to remember

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As 2017 comes to an end, CGTN has put together a twelve-episode special series, “News Map 2017”, to review the monthly events of the past year. From Dec. 18 to 29, review the most stirring events, relive the most touching stories, and remember the most powerful faces of 2017.

Below are some of the most consequential headlines from July 2017.

Flag-raising ceremony in HKSAR /VCG Photo

July 1, 20th anniversary of Hong Kong SAR's return to China

China marked the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return on July 1st. President Xi Jinping attended a series of celebrations in the Special Administrative Region. He swore in newly-elected chief executive Carrie Lam and inspected the PLA Garrison.

Xi said: “The road ahead is by no means smooth, but our faith in implementing the 'one country, two systems' principle will not change.” He also encouraged Hong Kong residents to face the challenges ahead and embrace an even better tomorrow.

Local residents expressed happiness about Hong Kong's return as well as confidence for its future development. During the past two decades, Hong Kong has been enjoying a high degree of autonomy. On the whole, Hong Kong has scored new achievements in economic growth, education and tourism. The SAR is determined to keep its competitive edge as an Asian financial center and a major global air transport hub.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders attending the 12th Summit of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies pose for a group photo in Hamburg, Germany, July 7, 2017. /Xinhua photo

July 7-9, G20 Summit

World leaders gathered in Hamburg, Germany on July 7 for the two-day G20 summit. The theme was "Shaping an Inter-connected World". The gathering focused on global economic growth, globalization, multi-literalism, finance, trade and healthcare.

Free trade and climate change were the focus, given the diverging views of individual member nations. Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke about the benefits of an open global economy and China's support for a multilateral trading system. He hailed the concept of innovation and called for the improvement of global economic governance.