To celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, a flag-raising ceremony is held at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, on Saturday. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Government officials and various sectors in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region pledged full confidence in the city’s future thanks to the backing of the nation, as numerous activities were held across the SAR to mark the National Day.

Speaking at a reception on Saturday to mark the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the “one country, two systems” principle has provided institutional safeguards for the city’s prosperity and stability and Hong Kong, whether in times of great opportunities or crises, enjoys strong backing from the country.

Lee said he is extremely proud of the achievements the Chinese people have made on the road to prosperity. Meanwhile, on the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the country, he said the city has finally turned the corner and entered a new stage of governance and prosperity after overcoming challenges.

Looking forward, Lee said President Xi Jinping’s speech on July 1 has become the policy blueprint of the HKSAR government, and he will lead his team to do all they can to live up to the trust and open up new opportunities for Hong Kong.

Senior officials of the HKSAR pledged to strengthen the city’s integration with the country’s development, while holding steadfast to their posts to help the SAR scale new heights.

Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki said Hong Kong, as part of the country, is obliged to contribute to the nation’s goals to become stronger and richer. It’s also the duty of every resident to maintain Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity and accurately implement “one country, two systems”, he said.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said he noticed that following the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, members of the public could express their patriotic feelings freely and cherish the care shown by the country when they see the national flags on the streets and in alleys.

In terms of the future, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan called for better education about the rule of law, which is the SAR’s greatest strength and underpins the city’s unique position in the international community.

On Oct 1, national flag-raising ceremonies were held by HKSAR government departments, Hong Kong-based central government departments, local universities, and communities in different districts.

A grand variety show was staged at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom on Saturday night to mark the National Day. Two special performances featuring the nation’s aerospace and sports achievements were added to this year’s show to reflect Hong Kong’s participation in the nation’s overall development.

In the coming weeks, an array of activities will be held, including concerts, drawing and photography competitions, seminars and a national knowledge competition, to mark the festive occasion. Political parties and social organizations will distribute gifts to grassroots residents.

Pansy Ho Chiu-king, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Federation of Women, held that this year’s celebrations were particularly meaningful as Hong Kong has embarked on the right track of “one country, two systems” with the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong and the revamped electoral system.

Ma Fung-kwok, president of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member Association, said he believes that as the SAR enters a new stage of prosperity, its cultural undertakings will benefit from the unprecedented opportunities created.