Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor (front row, 9th from left), together with government officials and other dignitaries, attend a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. At the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, on July 1, 2020. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

The disciplined forces perform a fly-past to mark the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, in Hong Kong, July 1, 2020. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

The Chinese national flag and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flag are seen flying at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, on July 1, 2020. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor (center), together with other government officials and dignitaries, give a toast at a reception following a flag-raising ceremony held to mark the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. In Hong Kong on July 1, 2020. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Residents celebrate the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland at the Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, July 1, 2020. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

Hong Kong residents take a photo with the national flag at the Victoria Peak in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020, as Hong Kong marks the 23rd anniversary of its return to the motherland. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

Hong Kong residents holding national flags pose for a photo with a banner celebrating the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the passage of the national security law, at the Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, July 1, 2020. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

Hong Kong residents pose with the national flag at the Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, July 1, 2020 as Hong Kong celebrates the 23rd anniversary of its return to the motherland. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

People on a vessel play drums and cymbals as they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, in Hong Kong, on July 1, 2020. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

Celebratory messages are seen on some buildings in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020 as Hong Kong celebrates the 23rd anniversary of its return to the motherland. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)