Hong Kong commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression with a ceremony honoring veterans and their descendants. The event, organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, awarded commemorative medals to recognize wartime sacrifices and reinforce historical awareness.
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee emphasized the city's wartime contributions, stating: "The people of Hong Kong united with our compatriots in the motherland with unwavering determination… demonstrating a firm and unyielding patriotic spirit." He highlighted the role of local resistance groups like the East River Column and Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade, which conducted guerrilla operations and rescued cultural figures during the conflict.
The government announced a series of educational initiatives targeting younger generations, including film screenings and official commemorations on September 3. "Only by knowing our history and loving our country can the flame of patriotism be passed on," Lee noted, framing historical education as essential for Hong Kong's future.
This push aligns with broader efforts to strengthen national identity through remembrance of China's wartime struggles. The HKSAR government plans to collaborate with schools and community groups to ensure historical narratives reach all demographics.
