HK, Macao SARs mark centenary celebration

People visit an exhibition on the history and achievements of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, in Hong Kong, July 3, 2021. (Photo/Xinhua)

The Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions have joined the national celebration of the Communist Party of China's centenary with a seminar highlighting the Party's role in Macao's development and an exhibition in Hong Kong that features the CPC's achievements over the past century.

The events are part of a host of activities－such as lion dances, light shows and issuances of commemorative stamps－organized in the two SARs to celebrate the landmark anniversary.

A high-level seminar was held in Macao on Friday to study the speech delivered by General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping at the CPC centenary celebration on Thursday. In the speech, Xi, who is also China's president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, pledged that the central government will continue to uphold the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong and Macao and will maintain the lasting prosperity and stability of the two SARs.

Addressing the seminar, Macao Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng said that a stable and prosperous Macao under "one country, two systems "wouldn't exist without the Party's leadership.

The Macao SAR will continue to steadfastly uphold the leadership of the CPC and will not allow any activities that challenge the authority of the central government, China's Constitution and the Basic Law, Ho pledged.

Edmund Ho Hau-wah, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top political advisory body, said the CPC is the inventor, pioneer, leader, practitioner and defender of the cause of "one country, two systems", which guarantees Macao's development.

Ho Hau-wah, who was Macao's first chief executive, called on civil society in Macao to maximize its unique strength in the country's development and share the dividends through deeper cooperation with the Chinese mainland.

Fu Ziying, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, noted that the principle of "patriots administering Macao" is key to the long-term success of Macao's implementation of "one country, two systems". He said he hopes that the SAR will firmly uphold the principle and further improve the mechanism.

The seminar was attended by about 140 guests, including principal officials, social dignitaries and association representatives.

In Hong Kong, a weeklong exhibition opened on Saturday, showcasing the CPC's achievements and its close bonds with the Hong Kong SAR.

The central government has sent experts and epidemic control supplies to Hong Kong to facilitate the universal testing of local residents and establish temporary treatment facilities.

The exhibition, which covers a wide range of dimensions of the CPC's development, attracted a large number of local residents.

A mother surnamed Xie, who took her 11-year-old son to the exhibition, said the event is worthwhile as it helps to enrich the younger generation's knowledge of the nation's history.

A 12-year-old girl, who came with her father, said she was excited and eager to know more about China's past, especially the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression from 1931 to 1945.

The exhibition also attracted various local officials and people from all walks of life. During its opening ceremony, Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee told China Daily that she's grateful for the motherland's support in Hong Kong's fight against COVID-19.

Gordon Lam Chi-wing, chairman of the Hong Kong Technology Association, said that without the Party's help, Hong Kong would have encountered many difficulties today, including problems with the food and water supply.