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The two-day "International Conference on the Centenary of the China's 1911 Revolution" was launched today (May 6) at the Hong Kong Museum of History. The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, officiated at the opening ceremony.
On October 10, 1911, the Wuchang Uprising enjoyed initial success and this was echoed by support from provinces across China as the revolution swept across the entire nation. After two months, Dr Sun Yat-sen was elected provisional president and China's last emperor, Puyi, renounced the throne, bringing an end to the monarchy that had held power in China for more than 2 000 years. Asia's first republic was born and indeed, the revolution was to have a far-reaching impact on China's political, social and cultural scene.
Speaking at the conference's opening ceremony, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong had countless ties with the 1911 Revolution, including the formulation of Dr Sun's revolutionary ideas, the setting up of Xing Zhong Hui, fundraising for the revolutionary activities, and the staging of the successive uprisings.
"As Hong Kong played a pivotal role in the 1911 Revolution, the staging of commemorative activities here during the centenary of the Revolution imparts special meaning. By reviewing history we will gain a better understanding of how we can contribute towards charting a course for China's revitalisation," Mr Tsang said.
Starting early this year, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government began collaborating with various sectors of the community to organise a wide range of activities commemorating this remarkable event. These include large-scale exhibitions, conferences, creative competitions and historical study projects. One of the major commemorative activities, this conference has invited local scholars, as well as those from the Mainland, the United States, Japan and Taiwan, to review the historical significance of the 1911 Revolution from different perspectives.
The conference is jointly presented by the Department of History of the Hong Kong Baptist University, the Hong Kong Museum of History, and the Modern Chinese History Society of Hong Kong in association with the Hong Kong Institute for Promotion of Chinese Culture, the Sun Yat-sen Education and Charity Foundation, and the Centre for Modern China Research, Sun Yat-sen University.
Ends/Friday, May 6, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:41
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