On August 20, Li Bin, Vice Chairperson of the 13^th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and President of the China Welfare Institute (CWI), met with John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), at the Government House.

Ms. Li expressed gratitude to the SAR Government for its concern and support for the work of the CWI. She noted that the CWI has deep historical connections with Hong Kong, as it was founded in 1938 by Ms. Soong Ching Ling as the China Defence League (CDL) in the city. Now the CWI has returned to its founding place to carry out commemorative activities, including hosting the “Soong Ching Ling in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War” photo exhibition, organizing cultural performances, and engaging in exchanges with various sectors of Hong Kong society. The purpose is to vigorously promote the great spirit of the War of Resistance, review and commemorate the glorious history of Ms. Soong leading the CDL in uniting forces for peace and working hand in hand with Hong Kong compatriots to support the War of Resistance, as well as to continue deepening and sustaining the friendly cooperation between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Currently, the SAR Government is actively aligning itself with national strategies, further consolidating the positive momentum of Hong Kong’s stable development. It is hoped that continued efforts will be made to strengthen the sincere cooperation between Ms. Soong’s legacy and various sectors in Hong Kong, consolidate long-term friendly relations, and establish multi-domain and multi-level cooperation mechanisms. By working hand in hand, more contributions will be made to the steady and long-term success of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

Mr. Lee welcomed Ms. Li and her delegation to Hong Kong, stating that hosting the photo exhibition mentioned above in Hong Kong is both timely and significant, as it preserves historical memory and promotes the great spirit of the War of Resistance. The SAR Government places high importance on patriotic education for Hong Kong residents, particularly the youth. He emphasized the need to leverage vivid educational vehicles and innovative methods to showcase Hong Kong’s role in the War of Resistance and the founding of the People’s Republic of China, guiding young people to develop a comprehensive and profound understanding of this history and inspiring patriotic sentiment. He expressed hope for enhanced exchanges and cooperation with the CWI to jointly contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Also present at the meeting were Yin Zonghua, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG HK); Zhang Xiaomin, Vice President of the CWI and Member of the National Committee of the CPPCC; Chris Sun Yuk-han, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government; Wang Yufeng, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Secretary-General of the CWI; Li Ling, Deputy Director of the Coordination Department of the LOCPG HK; and Carol Yip Man-kuen, Director of the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Office.