Unite and seize opportunities, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam says in National Day speech
Chief executive cites President Xi Jinping during his July visit, and reminds city that it will always have strong backing of China
Hong Kong’s leader said on Sunday the city could continue to contribute to mainland China as long as it stayed united, just hours before thousands of residents took to the streets to oppose the central and local governments’ “authoritarian rule”.
She recalled visiting Beijing as a student leader in 1979, and how she was impressed with the country’s advances since then.
Lam was addressing more than 3,000 officials and dignitaries from the city, the mainland and foreign countries at a cocktail reception in the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, to celebrate the 68th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Lam also cited the president’s remarks that China’s prosperity would not only help Hong Kong in overcoming challenges, but would also provide opportunities for the city “to seek new impetus as well as an expanded scope for such development”.
Lam’s popularity falls to lowest level after independence row
“During the past three months ... I have been deeply impressed by the strength bestowed upon us by our country and the immense opportunities,” Lam added.
“As long as we capitalise on our strengths, stay focused, seize the opportunities before us and stand united, I am sure that Hong Kong can reach even greater heights.
“I also believe that this ‘Pearl of the Orient’ of our country will continue to shine, contributing to the development of our country and becoming an even better place to live in,” Lam concluded.
Leung is now a vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, China’s top political advisory body.
Before the cocktail reception, Lam was among 2,400 officials and guests who attended a special flag-raising ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square outside the convention centre.
Other guests included former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa, Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma Tao-li, Beijing’s liaison office chief Wang Zhimin, Executive Council members, the city’s lawmakers and Lam’s husband, Lam Siu-por.
Pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong call for National Day march to reject ‘authoritarian rule’
In a statement, Demosisto said its protests were met with revulsion by some in the public. It added that a few protesters had been injured as they were expelled by security guards at the event site.