Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor (4th from right) and other guests sing the national anthem during a gala to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. At Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, in Wan Chai, on Sept 30, 2020. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor delivers a speech during a gala to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. At Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, in Wan Chai, on Sept 30, 2020. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)

Luo Huining, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong, delivers a speech during a gala to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. At Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, in Wan Chai, on Sept 30, 2020. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)

Tung Chee-­hwa, former Hong Kong chief executive and a current vice­-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, delivers a speech during a gala to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. At Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, in Wan Chai, on Sept 30, 2020. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)

Guests wave the national and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flags during a gala to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. At Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, in Wan Chai, on Sept 30, 2020. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)

Dancers perform at a gala to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. At Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, in Wan Chai, on Sept 30, 2020. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)