Hong Kong holds ceremony marking 81st anniversary of victory over Japanese aggression

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.

Hong Kong holds ceremony marking 81st anniversary of victory over Japanese aggression

Hong Kong holds ceremony marking 81st anniversary of victory over Japanese aggression

Hong Kong holds ceremony marking 81st anniversary of victory over Japanese aggression

Palau will not succeed in its attempt to hijack the positions of other member states of Pacific Islands Forum by hyping up China's recent missile test, said foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun on Thursday in Beijing.

Guo made the remark at a regular press briefing in response to a media inquiry.

"China has more than once made clear its position on the test launch. Palau has repeatedly raised this issue in an ill-intentioned attempt to hijack the position of other member states of the Pacific Islands Forum. It will not have its way," said Guo.

"China is committed to peaceful development and a national defense policy that is defensive in nature. We never engage in military expansion. China stands ready to work with South Pacific countries to contribute to peace, stability, development and prosperity of the South Pacific region," said Guo.

China slashes Palau on hyping up missile test