Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed honor and pride in leading a delegation to Beijing for a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The 90-minute parade was a highlight of the Victory Day celebrations.
Writing a social media post, Lee stated that the parade was the first display of the nation's new journey towards "Chinese modernization".
Notably, the showcased military equipment is domestically manufactured, with many items being presented to the world for the first time, underscoring the nation's capabilities in safeguarding sovereignty, security, and development interests while promoting world peace.
Leading a delegation of 360 members, a significant portion of the attendees, Lee remarked on the central government's strong emphasis on Hong Kong.
He expressed confidence that the parade would enhance the determination and national pride of Hong Kong citizens in defending their homeland.
Emphasizing the SAR government's efforts to unite various sectors for commemorative events, Lee stressed the importance of fostering national identity and promoting patriotism through historical awareness.
The city leader further encouraged citizens to understand their history, honor sacrifices, cherish hard-won peace, and transform past hardships into a driving force for the city's future.
Among the delegation, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Warner Cheuk Wing-hing also shared his sentiments on social media, expressing his profound honor at witnessing the parade.
Cheuk stated that the grand military event symbolizes the nation's commitment to defending sovereignty and national security, showcasing military capabilities while affirming China's role as a responsible global power contributing to world peace.
He expressed amazement at the military's strength, believing that the new structure within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) could effectively deter potential adversaries and enhance China's influence in military diplomacy.
In light of the current geopolitical climate, Cheuk urged nuclear-armed nations to exercise caution to avoid escalating conflicts and avert another global catastrophe.
