Chinese shares close higher Thursday

Chinese stocks closed higher on Thursday, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index up 0.02 percent to 3,942.09 points.

The Shenzhen Component Index closed 0.10 percent higher at 13,625.12 points.

The ChiNext Index, tracking China's Nasdaq-style board of growth enterprises, dropped 0.01 percent to close at 3,312.54 points.

The STAR Composite Index, which reflects the performance of stocks on China's sci-tech innovation board, closed 0.01 percent lower at 1,906.51 points.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government held an official ceremony on Thursday to mark the 81st anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee attended the ceremony, together with senior officials of the HKSAR government, judicial personnel, members of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council, veterans, district councilors, uniform teams, and social and youth representatives.

The ceremony began at 8:00 with the singing of the national anthem as the national and regional flags were raised. All participants observed two minutes of silence to pay tribute to the fallen martyrs.

"We must carry forward the spirit of countless martyrs who fought bravely. As young people, you must do well in study, build up your bodies, and make the firm resolution of contributing our strength to national rejuvenation and world peace. This is the purpose of today's ceremony," Lin Zhen, a veteran who fought in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, told young participants.

"I'm very excited to participate in this event today, because under the leadership of the great Communist Party of China, we've made remarkable achievements and forced Japan to surrender unconditionally. Now, backed by the motherland, Hong Kong people can lead a peaceful life, which is something we can be proud of," said Wu Huanyan, vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese.