Patriotism highlighted in activity honoring Xinhai Revolution

Officials of the central government and the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Thursday highlighted the spirit of patriotism and called on the city to uphold this spirit in its integration with the nation's development.

They made the remarks at a local event commemorating the 1911 revolution, also known as the Xinhai Revolution, where Hong Kong played an important role. The revolution ended the nation's imperial rule and spread the idea of democracy and equality in the minds of Chinese.

Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the nation's top advisory body, said one of the most important takeaways from the event was that the Communist Party of China - which was founded ten years after the 1911 Revolution - has faithfully inherited and continued Sun Yat-sen's democratic revolutionary cause, setting China on a path of prosperity.

The Party's achievements can "reassure" Sun that his unfinished cause will eventually come to fruition, Leung said in a speech at the event.

He said Chinese people at home and abroad, especially young people in Hong Kong, should learn more about the history of the 1911 Revolution to undertake the mission of the reunification of the motherland.

Hong Kong's Acting Chief Executive Paul Chan Mo-po suggested the city could draw a lesson from the twists and turns of the 1911 Revolution by remaining courageous in overcoming difficulties.

The city should have more confidence in its own development path, given the experience of the 1911 Revolution, he said.

In order to achieve greater success, Hong Kong must adhere to the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" and put its people first, as its success, strength and opportunities depend on the "one country, two systems" idea and the strong backing of the nation, he said.

Chan attended the event on behalf of the city's Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, who has been in Chengdu, Sichuan province since Wednesday. She will also visit Chongqing and Xi'an, Shaanxi province.

Luo Yonggang, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR, also highlighted patriotism in his speech at the event.

He said what the nation achieves today is the result of the hard work of countless patriotic ancestors since the Xinhai Revolution. He called on Hong Kong people, especially the youth, to deepen their understanding of the nation's history and culture to carry on the patriotic spirit.

Luo stressed only by firmly keeping the governing power in the hands of patriots can the city be made better.

He hoped the city's governing team, including the newly elected Election Committee, will shoulder the responsibility to safeguard the principle of "one country, two systems" and stay devoted to the improvement of people's livelihoods.