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Viola Zhou

After a rousing show of songs and dances marking 20 years since Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule, visiting President Xi Jinping joined performers on stage to sing a patriotic song as a fitting end to the evening on Friday.
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his successor Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor also went up on stage to lend their voices to the chorus.
The three greeted performers before stretching their vocal chords for the song Sing for Our Motherland.

Ten years ago at the same venue, Xi’s wife Peng Liyuan, a folk singer, sang the same song with former president Hu Jintao on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the handover.
Chinese slang and famous Canto-pop song feature in Xi Jinping’s speech at Hong Kong banquet
But on Friday night, Peng only sang along in her seat, applauding her husband and the performers.
The gala held at the Convention and Exhibition Centre was attended by celebrities, local athletes as well as a children’s choir.
Despite the simmering political tension in the city, the grand show was as festive as the ones attended by Hu five and 10 years ago.

Some top Hong Kong and mainland stars gave performances hailing national unity and the city’s milestones.
A local children’s choir sang titles such as My Chinese Heart and Pearl of the Orient. Twenty-one local athletes, including cyclist Sarah Lee Wai-sze, took part in a dance.
“They represent Hong Kong, which means they are fighting for the glory of the motherland,” a host said.

Other performers included pianist Lang Lang and local stars Donnie Yen Ji-dan, Joey Yung Cho-yee, Hacken Lee Hak-kan, Karen Mok Man-wai, Leo Ku Kui-kei and Leon Lai Ming. Some of them also performed for Hu five years ago.
Xi and Peng, with front seats to the grand show, applauded the artistes as government photographers snapped pictures of the couple.

Peng herself is no stranger to such festivities, having performed Hong Kong’s Night with Moonlight – a tune with lyrics expressing a desire for national unity – at the 10th anniversary concert held at the same venue.


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Hong Kong handover 20th anniversary

Leon Lai, Joey Yung among Hong Kong stars in show marking eve of 20th anniversary of handover

Chinese President Xi Jinping (centre) is all smiles on stage with Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his successor Carrie Lam, flanked by celebrities from the city and mainland. Photo: Dickson lee

Leon Lai sings at the HKSAR 20th Anniversary Variety Show at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. 30JUN17 SCMP / Dickson lee

(170630) -- HONG KONG, June 30, 2017 (Xinhua) -- Joey Yung sings a song during an evening gala celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, in Hong Kong, south China, June 30, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) (ly)

(170630) -- HONG KONG, June 30, 2017 (Xinhua) -- Karen Mok sings a song during an evening gala celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, in Hong Kong, south China, June 30, 2017. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) (ly)

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the HKSAR 20th Anniversary Variety Show at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. 30JUN17 SCMP / Dickson lee

Chinese slang and famous Canto-pop song feature in Xi Jinping’s speech at Hong Kong banquet

Xi Jinping makes a toast at a banquet in his honour at the Convention Centre. Photo: AFP

Billionaire Li Ka-shing, chairman of CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. and Cheung Kong Property Holdings Ltd., center, applauds during a photo session at a meeting with Xi Jinping, China's president, not pictured, in Hong Kong, China, on Friday, June 30, 2017. Xi sought to reassure a divided Hong Kong of China's continued support for the former British colony, as activists called for protests to demonstrate the city's desire for greater democracy. Photographer: Bobby Yip/Pool via Bloomberg

Manu for Xi's Banquet. Photo: Handout

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Hong Kong

Politics

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying and incoming chief executive Carrie Lam also take to the stage to belt out patriotic tunes


Hong Kong handover 20th anniversary: Xi Jinping visit

Hong Kong handover 20th anniversary: Celebrations