The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, and the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, arrived in Ruijin, Jiangxi Province, yesterday afternoon (May 10), and attended the launch ceremony of the Long March exchange activity series for Hong Kong and Macao youth this morning (May 11).

     Mr Chan said, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has always attached great importance to patriotic education. In particular, we actively encourage young people to participate in exchange activities on the Mainland to fully understand the country's history, culture and latest achievements. The Long March holds great significance in the nation's development history. We hope that young people can gain an in-depth understanding of its history, learn from its spirit of perseverance and solidarity, and grow into a new generation with an affection for the country and for Hong Kong that is equipped with global perspectives. They should seize the immense opportunities arising from our country's new journey and proactively integrate into and contribute to the overall national development."

     During their visit to Ruijin, Mr Chan and Mr Leung also visited the Yeping Revolutionary Sites and the Central Revolutionary Base Area History Museum. These landmarks bear witness to the dedication and sacrifices of the revolutionary forebears, which deeply moved the delegation. Mr Chan expressed the wish to further strengthen co-operation with Jiangxi in patriotic education and organise more in-depth and impactful exchange activities for more Hong Kong youth to visit historical sites and appreciate the national spirit, thereby fostering a deeper identification with the country and Chinese culture, and cultivating their national identity and patriotic sentiment.

     To commemorate the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March and to strengthen the national awareness and patriotic spirit of Hong Kong and Macao youth, about 120 youth representatives from Hong Kong and Macao, along with Mainland youth, visited Ganzhou, Jiangxi, from May 8 to 11. They toured memorial museums and historical sites related to the Long March, and visited local research institutes, enterprises and heritage sites. At the launch ceremony, Hong Kong youth representatives shared their experiences and insights gained from retracing the Long March route. Similar visits and exchange activities for Hong Kong and Macao youth will be conducted in other Long March-related provinces progressively. Through first-hand visits to revolutionary sites, young people can gain a deeper understanding of the country's history and culture, enhance their understanding of the country's development journey, and further strengthen their sense of belonging to the nation as well as its culture and history.

     Mr Chan departs for Hong Kong this afternoon (May 11).

Ends/Monday, May 11, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:25

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