Celebrating 20 years since Hong Kong officially returned to China

Today (July 1), in Hong Kong (China), many activities took place to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's official return to China.

Security was tightened at many locations hosting the celebrations, especially in Hong Kong's harbor area, where the island's handover to China took place two decades ago.

Hong Kong officials attend a flag-raising ceremony on July 1 to mark the 20th anniversary of the island's return to mainland China. Photo: Getty.

This morning, at Golden Bauhinia Square on Hong Kong Island, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Britain's official handover of Hong Kong to China.

Immediately after the flag-raising ceremony ended, the new Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Carrie Lam and the new cabinet members took the oath of office.

Earlier, on June 30, Chinese President and Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China Xi Jinping visited soldiers stationed in Hong Kong and attended a banquet with Hong Kong officials.

Speaking here, President Xi Jinping affirmed the Chinese central government's commitment to the "one country, two systems" policy.

“I am very happy to be here in Hong Kong again after nine years to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China,” Xi Jinping said. “On behalf of the central government and the people of all ethnic groups in China, I would like to extend my sincere and best wishes to all Hong Kong people. If we fully and correctly implement the policy of “one country, two systems,” we can build a bright future for Hong Kong.”

This is President Xi Jinping's first visit to Hong Kong since he took power in 2012.

To ensure absolute safety for this event, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government mobilized thousands of police officers to ensure security at the accommodation and activities of Xi Jinping and his entourage.

In a related development, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) ended its trading session on June 30 with a special bell to mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

Witnessed by many businessmen as well as guests and reporters, Mr. Steve Barclay, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, rang the bells at the New York Stock Exchange at 4:00 p.m. local time.

According to Mr. Baclay, Hong Kong is now considered one of the inspirations for prosperity and business. Hong Kong's success today is due to maintaining the best of the past, combined with the opportunities that mainland China brings./.

According to VOV