A visitor poses in front of the Bruce Lee statue of the Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong, Nov 17, 2015. [Photo/China News Service] HONG KONG -- With one country, two systems as its greatest advantage, Hong Kong will acquire more of a sense of contentment and happiness by staying committed to the basis of one country and well leveraging the benefits of two systems, an official said here Tuesday. Wang Zhimin, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), made the remarks while addressing more than 4,000 attendees at the liaison office's Chinese New Year reception held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. In 2018, China celebrated the 40th anniversary of its reform and opening-up, and solemnly declared a firm resolve to carry on this cause without pause in the new era, Wang said. He added that Hong Kong has actively participated in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with a positive trend of integrating itself into the country's overall development. By participating in the Greater Bay Area construction, the HKSAR, for the first time, is deeply engaged in drafting and implementing an outline of a national strategic plan, he said. All of these achievements again explain that 'one country, two systems' is Hong Kong's greatest advantage and the Chinese mainland with reform and opening-up is Hong Kong's biggest stage, he said. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Pointing out that during the past 70 years, Hong Kong has always been developing and thriving together with the mainland, Wang expressed hope that all circles of Hong Kong society will contribute to the country's comprehensive opening-up in a more proactive manner. Hong Kong compatriots will acquire more of a sense of contentment, security and happiness by staying committed to the basis of 'one country' and well leveraging the benefits of 'two systems', he said. Wang also pledged that the liaison office will open its doors wider in the new year, and will invite the HKSAR government officials and friends from various social walks, including all members of the HKSAR Legislature Council, for a gathering to further enhance mutual understanding. silicone wristbands customprinted wristbandrubber band bracelet charmsbusiness silicone wristbandsbracelet montre silicone
HANGZHOU -- Growing up with more diverse values than previous generations and in a more competitive society, many Chinese urban youths are getting married later -- either willingly or reluctantly.Zhang Sijia, 32, does not see marriage or fatherhood in his immediate future despite pressure from his parents.At this stage, the most important thing for me is career development, said Zhang, who works in a state-owned company in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province.The latest statistics released by Chinese local civil affairs departments show a growing trend -- a rise in the age of marriage among Chinese urbanites like Zhang.Last year, the number of newly registered marriages in Hangzhou reached over 65,600. The average age of men and women at first marriage was around 29 and 27, respectively, around a year increase compared with 2014.The trend is shared in other cities, in particular the developed coastal cities. In east China's Jiangsu Province, the average age of residents at first marriage was postponed to 26 in 2017, an increase for the third consecutive year.According to China's law, the minimum legal marriage age for men is 22, and for women it is 20.Getting married later is a common phenomenon in the world. China is no exception with rising age at first marriage, said Zhang Juwei, a demographer with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.China had around 170 million single adults of marriageable age in 2013, according to a report from Southwest Securities.The shift is driven by a trend of delaying or opting out of marriage entirely, a rising divorce rate and a profound change in young people's perceptions of remaining single.Zhang Juwei attributes the rising marriage age to reasons such as spending a longer time in education and the rising cost of living in cities.At the same age, our parents may have tied the knot, but we still pursue studies at college, said Qiu Ruimin, a fresh college graduate in her twenties.She said that she will not put marriage and children on the agenda until she is able to afford an apartment and handle the high cost of raising children in Hangzhou.Mi Hong, executive director with the Institute for Population and Development Studies at Zhejiang University, says diversified attitudes toward love and marriage is another reason for rising marriage age among urbanites.I've got used to being single. I can look after myself well, travel anywhere I want and befriend anybody I like. Marriage becomes not that important, said Yin Yuan, a college teacher.However, delayed marriage has its negative side. Zhang Juwei pointed out that it means a falling birth rate, a decreasing working population and the speeding of an aging society.In a culture that places value on family, Chinese parents are often deeply involved in their children's marriage. But many parents are gradually accepting their children's diversified attitudes and lifestyles.Zhang had to go on blind dates arranged by his parents every weekend before he had the courage to tell them what he thought.I told them young people no longer just want someone to marry, they want a relationship based on love, he said. Finally, they agreed to respect my choice.
