China Celebrates 76th National Day with Fireworks, Global Ceremonies, Economic Pledges

Hong Kong celebrated the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China with large-scale events including a 23-minute fireworks display over Victoria Harbour that attracted hundreds of thousands of spectators. The festivities featured a National Day reception with Chief Executive John Lee emphasizing efforts to boost economic growth, safeguard national security, and deepen reforms, while pledging to remove bottlenecks for faster economic benefits. The celebrations also included a four-day visit by People's Liberation Army Navy vessels and a notable increase in tourism during Mainland China's Golden Week holiday. In Venezuela, a solemn ceremony reaffirmed strong diplomatic ties with China, with officials highlighting China's role as a peaceful global power and the importance of the "one China" principle. The Chinese ambassador praised Venezuela's support, and both countries celebrated growing cooperation under their respective leaders. Meanwhile, unrelated to the National Day celebrations, a sporting event in Naples experienced disturbances from rival fans using fireworks near the team hotel.