Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the special visit arranged by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OCMFA) to the "United in Arms, Standing for Peace: 80th Anniversary of Chinese Victory in the War of Resistance Exhibition" today (October 17):

Deputy Commissioner Li (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Li Yongsheng), Consuls-General, Chamber representatives, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good afternoon. A very warm welcome to the Hong Kong Museum of History.

     Thank you for joining this special tour of the "United in Arms, Standing for Peace" exhibition. 

     Today, you are not just attending an exhibition. You are looking at a pivotal chapter in the history of China and the world.

     The war began in 1931. For 14 long years, the Chinese nation fought with great courage and a strong will to protect the homeland. The cost was immense. Millions of lives were lost.

     The exhibition shows this history through more than 180 exhibits. Eighty-two of them are from the National Museum of China. About 60 items are being shown for the first time. Eight of these are top-level national treasures. 

     Each item tells a story of struggle and sacrifice. They also show Hong Kong’s role in supporting the national effort.

     The exhibition is about education and remembrance. We must never forget the sacrifices made. We remember the past not to keep hatred alive, but to cherish the peace we have today. We remember to learn from history and to build a better, brighter future for all.

     The exhibition, which runs until mid-December, is a team effort. It is jointly organised by our Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Hong Kong Museum of History, and the National Museum of China. We also thank the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and the Bank of China (Hong Kong) for their generous support. 

     The exhibition is just one part of our effort. We are also organising a variety of related events and activities, including visits to war sites, seminars, thematic lectures, film screenings, book fairs and photo exhibitions across Hong Kong. The goal is to help the public understand the spirit of unity and resilience of the Chinese people in the fight for peace. 

     As announced in the Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address, we are repairing war sites in every district with a view to integrating them into tourism routes and educational activities. 

     We will also collaborate with Shenzhen to promote a new red educational route, under the theme of "Chinese Cultural Celebrity Rescue" history, to enhance understanding among people of Hong Kong and tourists of the history of the War of Resistance in Hong Kong.

     Ladies and gentlemen, this exhibition shows the great horrors of war. But it is presented in the name of peace.  

     Thank you.

Ends/Friday, October 17, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:45

NNNN