HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhuanet) -- A demonstration took place at the Victoria Park in Hong Kong Thursday afternoon, as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government and local people celebrated the 7th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR.

    On Thursday morning, over 3,000 people attended the national flag and the regional flag raising ceremony to celebrate the festival.

    The Hong Kong Garrison of the People's Liberation Army opened its barracks in Stanley to the pubic. More than 43,000 Hong Kong people, including kids and the elderly in their 70s, visited the camps that opened from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday.

    Visitors also had the opportunity to see warships, helicopters and other weapons and armaments at the military barracks.

    Meanwhile, demonstrators gathered at the Victoria Park on Hong Kong Island at 2:30 p.m. to hold a protest. They marched into the streets and caused traffic jams.

    The Chinese central government has made various efforts to maintain Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, including signing the closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) with Hong Kong and opening to the public the barracks of the Hong Kong Garrison of the People's Liberation Army.

    In addition, the central government allowed the banks of Hong Kong to run Renminbi service and eased the restrictions on the mainland travelers to Hong Kong. It also promoted to establish the Pan-Pearl River Delta cooperation framework, which was signed by Hong Kong, Macao and eight provincial areas of the mainland earlier last month.

    All these moves received welcome and support by Hong Kong residents. Enditem