The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region held a National Day Gala on Wednesday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, inviting celebrities, artists, and students from schools and universities to present spectacular performances of various kinds.
The gala opened with a heartfelt performance by Michelle Siu, a visually impaired singer, and the Touching China 2023 Character of the Year, along with two other singers, to voice their love for China. The gala also included a children's martial arts performance, a middle school orchestra, and a chorus from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, along with performances staged by other artists and celebrities in presenting their best to the audience, featuring the participation of both professionals and amateurs, and their shared patriotism.
The gala featured both modern and traditional performances, all immersed with Chinese culture and regional characteristics, reflecting the heartfelt love of Hong Kong citizens to the motherland.
"As Hong Kong residents, with strong backing of the motherland, we should fully utilize Hong Kong's advantages with the support of the motherland and our connectivity to the world under the 'One Country, Two Systems'. We should be fully confident in striving for greater new achievements. Wish our motherland peace and prosperity, and I also believe that Hong Kong will definitely create a brighter future." said Jin Ling, chairman of the Hong Kong Island Woman's Association.
Also attending the gala among the some 6,000 guests were Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Leung Chun-ying, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.
Hong Kong holds National Day gala to mark 75th founding anniversary of PRC
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that there are no winners in the prolonged wars, and a ceasefire and an end to the hostilities are the will of the people.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
The two sides mainly exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East.
Cooper expounded on Britain's view on the current situation in the Middle East, stating that in the face of an increasingly turbulent world, the British side hopes to maintain close communication with China, push for an early end to the war, resume diplomatic negotiations, and seek long-term solutions.
Wang elaborated on China's position, saying that the current conflict in the Middle East is escalating, and the war is expanding, which not only impacts regional peace and stability, but also directly affects international energy, finance, trade and shipping, undermining the common interests of all countries.
China urges all parties to immediately cease military operations, resolve differences through equal dialogue, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, Wang said.
As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Britain shoulder the responsibility of upholding international peace and security, he noted.
Both sides should enhance communication, remain committed to actions conducive to peace, and jointly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations, so as to prevent the international order from being further undermined and the foundations of world peace from being eroded, said the foreign minister.
The two sides also exchanged views on China-Britain relations and agreed that they should actively implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, enhance exchanges, and continuously promote the long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Britain, thereby providing stability and certainty for a world fraught with changes and turmoil.
Chinese FM says prolonged wars have no winners
