Chief Executive John Lee on Friday warned that aggression and hegemony have never truly ceased as he called on the pubic to safeguard national security and development interests.

He made the remarks at the launch of a special large-scale exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Speaking at the event in Wan Chai, Lee noted that the war victory served to build a foundation for the nation to transition to rejuvenation, noting that risks remain despite the peace that has held over recent decades.

"Today, 80 years later, the path to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is irreversible. But we must recognise that aggression and hegemony have not truly ceased," he said.

"Our effort in war resistance showed that on the path of our nation's progress, there'll be various risks and challenges, and hostile forces are always on the move, attempting to obstruct the peaceful development of our nation.

"We must always remember history, guard against remarks glorifying aggression, and take the initiative in safeguarding the country's sovereignty, security and development interests."

Zhou Ji, director of Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong, noted that the commemoration of this episode in history is not aimed at perpetuating hatred but cherishing peace.

He added that the exhibition will showcase how China fought against Japan during the 14-year struggle.

"On the battlefield of Hong Kong, the British army resisted for only 18 days before announcing its surrender, while the Hong Kong and Kowloon Brigade, led by the Communist Party of China, was the only armed force that persisted in the resistance throughout, from the beginning to the end," Zhou said.

"The party has always stood on the side of human progress."

Zhou also called on Hong Kong to safeguard the One Country, Two Systems policy.

"Today, Hong Kong is at a new transitional stage from order to prosperity.

"It must fully, accurately and unswervingly implement the principle of One Country, Two Systems, to ensure the steady and long-term implementation of the policy."

The exhibition, featuring some 570 historical photographs along with immersive and interactive media designs, kicked off on Friday at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, where it will be held for eight days before going on tour across all 18 districts and schools.

The event organiser earlier said that as of Thursday, some 8,600 people had signed up to visit the exhibition.