Local and mainland dignitaries attended a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square on Friday morning ahead of the inauguration of the new administration, as part of celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The new Chief Executive, John Lee and his wife was in attendance, along with his new batch of principal officials and executive councillors. Outgoing Chief Executive Carrie Lam and senior members of her administration, along with other former leaders CY Leung and Donald Tsang and their spouses, were also present.

Liaison Office director Luo Huining, Zheng Yanxiong, director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security, and Liu Guangyuan, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, were among the senior mainland officials in attendance.

They watched as the national and SAR flags were raised as the national anthem was sung, before Government Flying Services helicopters carrying the two flags flew past, and ships sprayed a water salute.