Opportunities outweigh challenges as China is the strongest backing for HK: John Lee

China will always be the strongest backing for Hong Kong, and the city's development cannot be separated from that of the country, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on the 75th National Day.

Speaking at the National Day Reception, the Hong Kong leader stated that the city is currently at a crucial period of economic transformation.

"There will be challenges ahead, but the opportunities for Hong Kong outweigh these challenges," Lee said.

He noted that Hong Kong must adapt to the circumstances, continuously reform, recognize and seek change, break through bottlenecks, address shortcomings, and remove obstacles while consolidating and enhancing the city's advantages. 

He emphasized that the people of Hong Kong should actively explore new areas of development, fully seize opportunities, and contribute to the country's development.

"The development of Hong Kong cannot be separated from that of the country, and the country will always be the strongest backing for Hong Kong," he added.

Lee further added that Hong Kong needs to maintain its proactive efforts in integrating into the overall development of the country, serving as a "super-connector" and "super value-adder" in the domestic-international dual circulation, while fully enhancing Hong Kong's international competitiveness.

Separately, a flag-raising ceremony was held in Wan Chai to celebrate the National Day.

Lee, accompanied by his wife, along with senior government officials and three former chief executives—Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, Leung Chun-ying, and Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor—attended the ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square. 

Zheng Yanxiong, the head of Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong, was also present.

The national and SAR flags were raised at 8 am, while the police band played the national anthem, and officers from the fire and government flying services saluted.

Similar flag-raising ceremonies were also held at the Commissioner's Office of the Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong, as well as at the Liaison Office.

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