Hong Kong celebrated the seventh anniversary of its return to the motherland on Thursday as Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa vowed to redouble efforts to improve governance to meet the aspirations of the community.

Tung made the pledge as he proposed a toast to Hong Kong's future with about 1,000 guests at an official reception marking the birthday of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

He said the past year was a severe test for the government. Yet, "Thanks to the staunch support of the central government and the concerted efforts of all citizens, we have managed to tide over all difficulties and Hong Kong has now turned the corner."

Tung said he was confident that Hong Kong's future would be even better.

The day of celebrations started at 8 AM at Golden Bauhinia Square with the hoisting of the national and HKSAR flags to the national anthem in a solemn ceremony witnessed by about 3,000 dignitaries and representatives from all districts.

Four helicopters flew in formation overhead and a fireboat, spraying water, passed in Victoria Harbor.

Led by Tung, the ceremony was attended by top officials, including Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong Gao Siren; Commissioner Yang Wenchang of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong; and the Commander of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Wang Jitang.

Local deputies to the National People's Congress and members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, along with legislators and members of the consular corps, also attended.

Shortly afterward, at a reception, Tung said the successful implementation of "one country, two systems" had placed Hong Kong in a new phase of historical development.

He said Hong Kong was at its most difficult moment this time last year after six years of economic restructuring and the outbreak of SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome.

Tung said Hong Kong's has rebounded strongly and public confidence in its future has increased. However, there is still room for improvement as many people have yet to gain from the economic rebound.

Constitutional development will move forward in a gradual and orderly manner in accordance with the Basic Law, with the ultimate aim of universal suffrage.

About 15,000 people visited the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison barracks Thursday as part of the celebration.

At Stonecutters' Island naval base and the barracks in Shek Kong and Stanley, citizens of all ages attended a national flag-raising ceremony, boarded military ships and got the chance to examine helicopters and various weapons.

They also watched military training, song and dance performances and acrobatic shows. Many visitors took photos with PLA soldiers.

The opening to the public by the army camps has become a channel for Hong Kong citizens to learn more about the soldiers' military training, their studies and daily life.

Meanwhile, Xinhua News Agency reported that a demonstration took place at Victoria Park Thursday afternoon.

Demonstrators gathered at the park at 2:30 PM and marched along the streets, causing traffic jams.

The central government has made various efforts to maintain Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, including signing the closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) with Hong Kong and opening to the public the barracks of the Hong Kong Garrison of the People's Liberation Army.

In addition, the central government allowed the banks of Hong Kong to run renminbi service and eased restrictions on mainland travelers to Hong Kong. It also promoted establishment of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Cooperation Framework, which was signed by Hong Kong, Macao and eight provincial areas of the mainland earlier last month.

All these moves received welcome and support by Hong Kong residents.

(China Daily July 2, 2004)