Why is Hong Kong holding Communist Party anniversary events? One word: stability
Film screenings, tours and other youth-oriented events planned as experts say high-profile activities now possible after years of suspicion and opposition
Greater social and political stability in Hong Kong will allow the city to hold high-profile celebratory events for the anniversary of the Communist Party’s establishment, analysts and politicians have said, encouraging residents to learn more about the party.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced on Wednesday that the government would organise a series of celebratory activities in the city to mark the 105th anniversary of the party’s founding.
Without elaborating on the details, Lee said the events would be held across all of Hong Kong’s 18 districts and take on various themes, including aerospace development and the green transition.
“These events aim to enhance residents’ understanding of the important achievements made by the country under the leadership of the Communist Party, and to strengthen national confidence and foster a strong sense of patriotism among Hong Kong residents, especially the youth,” he said at a launch ceremony at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Zhou Ji, director of Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong, which co-hosted the ceremony, said that the activities would be of “historical and realistic significance”, adding that the central government had high expectations for the city in the first year of the national 15th five-year plan.
Before the announcement, the city leader, government officials and lawmakers had watched the live stream of a celebratory gathering in Beijing, where President Xi Jinping, the party’s leader, delivered a speech.