A flag-raising ceremony was held Sunday morning in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Attended by approximately 1,200 local students, the event aimed to cultivate patriotism among youth and a sense of responsibility toward the nation and its people.
During the event, hosted by the Committee of Youth Activities in Hong Kong, youth uniformed groups marched into Golden Bauhinia Square in neat formations and performed Chinese-style foot drills at 07:50.
At 08:00, the national flag and the SAR flag were slowly raised as all those present stood solemnly and sang the national anthem.
"Firstly, I feel that Youth Day allows Hong Kong youth to further recognize our national identity. It allows us to become patriotic youths who love their nation and strive for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. I am very honored to be able to participate in this flag-raising ceremony and to unfurl the flag of the motherland in Hong Kong, enhancing the Hong Kong residents' affection for the country," said Tse Yiu-yu, a member of the national flag guard of Hong Kong Army Cadets Association.
"This year's Youth Day is very meaningful. The flag-raising ceremony can help better promote the spirit of patriotism. The May Fourth Movement represents the youth's feelings for the nation and society. Therefore, this patriotic sentiment must be promoted and passed on. We hope that through our enthusiasm, we, the youth can contribute to the future national construction and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," said Stanley Ng Chau-pei, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC).
China's Youth Day, which falls on May 4, marks the anniversary of the May Fourth Movement in China, a monumental youth movement that ignited profound social changes in the country.
Hong Kong marks 80th anniversary of victory in war of resistance with flag-raising ceremony
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
