Hong Kong holds National Day gala to mark 75th founding anniversary of PRC

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

A Chinese mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday that peaceful reunification will create tremendous opportunities for Taiwan's economic and social development.

Backed by a strong motherland, all sectors of Taiwan will be better developed, Zhang Han, the spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a press conference, taking the high-speed railway as an example.

"The mainland has made remarkable progress in the construction of high-speed railways. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), over 12,000 kilometers of high-speed railways have been built and put into operation in the mainland, connecting 128 counties through high-speed rail services. Currently, the total length of high-speed railways has reached 50,400 kilometers, linking 97 percent of the cities having a population of over 500,000. We have built the world's largest and most advanced high-speed railway network. Swiftly running trains help reduce the distance, and allow people to dream bigger. Faraway places now are no longer so far-off. Peaceful reunification will create tremendous opportunities for Taiwan's economic and social development. With the strong backing of the strong motherland, all sectors of Taiwan, including infrastructure, will be better developed. Taiwan compatriots will be able to join their mainland counterparts in sharing the dignity and triumph of our great nation, sharing the fruits of Chinese modernization, and embracing a bright future of prosperity and stability," Zhang said.

Peaceful reunification to bring opportunities to Taiwan: mainland spokesperson