A spectacular ceremony in Hong Kong marked the 28th anniversary of the return of this dynamic city to Mother China. Flags flew, the national anthem was played, a helicopter rode the skies and water gushed from a fireboat - a festive atmosphere took over Victoria Harbour.
At the ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square top officials were in attendance, including Vice-Chairman of the Chinese Advisory Committee Leung Chun-yingthe head of the Hong Kong administration John Lee and representatives of the central authorities in Beijing. To the strains of the song "Ode to the Fatherland", the team marched with the Chinese and Hong Kong flags, while a helicopter with banners flew from the sky and a fireboat's ceremonial water arch saluted from the harbor.
The ceremony was followed by a reception in Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where John Lee highlighted his administration's progress on reform, security, the economy and improving living standards.
Lee promised to accelerate development in the future Northern Metropolis, strengthening security and innovation and improving citizens' living conditions. "The Pearl of the Orient will shine again - if we are innovative, united and determined to seize every opportunity," he said.
In 2025, Hong Kong will not only mark its return to the motherland, but also its new role as a stable, strong and connected centre of China in the world.
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