HK marks 12th anniversary of return to China

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Wednesday marks the 12th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, and the SAR government observed the day with a series of commemorative events.

Wednesday marks the 12th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, and the SAR government observed the day with a series of commemorative events.

2,000 local residents watched as SAR officials presided over a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square, where the territory was formally reunited with China on July 1st 1997.

Later, SAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang hosted an official reception. He told assembled guests that 2009 had been a challenging year for Hong Kong, as it faced a double threat from the global financial crisis and the A/H1N1 influenza outbreak. But he expressed confidence that with support from the central government, the economy would soon recover and the flu pandemic would be contained.

Other public celebrations also contributed to the festive atmosphere, including a 40-thousand-strong parade that wound its way through Hong Kong's streets, and a horse racing event that drew an enthusiastic crowd.