HONG KONG yesterday observed the 46th anniversary of China's National Day with typical diversity.
As the Xinhua-orchestrated celebrations reached their height with a cultural gala last night, local pro-democracy activists were staging subdued protests outside as well as near the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.
The three-hour gala was staged by more than 400 Hong Kong people and 80 from the mainland. Organisers said Hong Kong people played a dominant role in this year's celebration programme. Eight of the 12 items were performed by locals.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of youth group representatives, including Executive Councillor Rosanna Wong Yick-ming, took part in another National Day celebration.
Xinhua (New China News Agency) Director Zhou Nan said it would be up to the young people to fulfil the historical mission of turning the policy of 'one country, two systems' into reality.
Six major business groups, among them the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Hong Kong Industries, held a reception for the first time this year.
