Published: 20:53, June 30, 2025 | Updated: 21:53, June 30, 2025
HK hosts gala to celebrate 28th anniversary of SAR’s establishment
By Stacy Shi in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu attends the 28th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Return to the Motherland Gala on June 30, 2025. Photo shows John Lee Ka-chiu (fifth right); Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Zhou Ji (fifth left); Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Dong Jingwei (fourth right); Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR, Cui Jianchun (fourth left); Deputy Political Commissar of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Major General Wang Zhaobing (third right); Chairman of the Hong Kong Celebrations Association, Tam Kam-kau (second left) and other guests officiating at the event. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

A star-studded gala organized by the Hong Kong Celebrations Association was staged at Hong Kong Coliseum on Monday evening, celebrating the 28th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s establishment and highlighting the city’s remarkable achievements under “one country, two systems”.

The celebration kicked off with an opening ceremony at 6:30 pm, attended by distinguished guests, including Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, Zhou Ji, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR, and Tam Kam-kau, chairman of the gala’s organizer.

Addressing a packed audience, Lee pledged to maximize the Hong Kong SAR’s unique advantages as a “superconnector” and “super value-adder” between the nation and the rest of the world, and called for united efforts to build a more prosperous future for the city.

READ MORE: Hong Kong at 28: A moment of unity, stability, and hope

Dancers and different groups perform on stage during the 28th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Return to the Motherland Gala on June 30, 2025. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Lee highlighted that Monday also marked the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the HKSAR National Security Law (NSL).

Over these five years, Hong Kong has transitioned from chaos to order and is now advancing from stability to prosperity, with its economy gaining momentum and society revitalized, he said, adding that today’s Hong Kong shines brightly on the international stage.

Also delivering remarks was Zhou, who noted that Hong Kong is now at a critical stage of development. He called on all sectors of society to safeguard the city’s hard-won stability, which he called the foundation for development, while leveraging Hong Kong’s unparalleled connectivity, multicultural strengths, and national backing to expand opportunities.

Following the opening ceremony, a vibrant six-chapter show started at 7 pm, featuring a dazzling lineup of performances by top artists, including Hong Kong singer Miriam Yeung Chin-wah, Macao-born singer and television host Maria Cordero, Hong Kong actor Ruco Chan Chin-pang, and boyband Hey Brother, with programs focusing Hong Kong’s reunion journey with the motherland through singing, dancing and martial arts.

READ MORE: Celebrating 28 Years: A guide to best places to visit on Jul 1

Members of the public can watch the recorded gala on Tuesday evening.

 

Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com