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

The United Nations (UN) urges all parties to fully implement the ceasefire arrangements in Gaza, a spokesman said at a press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the UN Secretary-General urges all parties to move forward in good faith and without delay with subsequent phases, facilitate sustained and unhindered humanitarian access, including through the Rafah crossing, and uphold international humanitarian law.

"The Secretary-General urges once again all stakeholders to establish a critical path forward towards ending the occupation, recognizing the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people and leading to a two-state solution in line with international law and UN resolutions," the spokesman said.

Since the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement took effect in October 2025, conflicts between Israel and Hamas have continued, with both sides accusing one another of violating the agreement.

UN calls for full implementation of ceasefire arrangements in Gaza