“We continue to express our concerns about deteriorating rights, freedoms and autonomy in Hong Kong … we call on the Hong Kong authorities to end such prosecutions and to release Jimmy Lai immediately,” they said in a statement.

Held at the Hong Kong City Hall Memorial Garden, the ceremony was part of a nationwide day of remembrance and unity. Government officials, veterans, and members of the public gathered to pay tribute to the millions who lost their lives during the war and to reflect on the sacrifices made for peace.

The event coincided with a grand commemorative gathering in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, where a large-scale military parade and tribute ceremony were held. The parade, which featured thousands of military personnel and a display of historic and modern military equipment, was broadcast live and viewed by Hong Kong residents both at home and in community centers.

Local participation and interest in the commemorative events were notably high. Several Hong Kong residents interviewed said they felt a deep sense of patriotism and reflection.

“It’s incredibly exciting and deeply moving to witness this part of history being honored with such respect,” said one attendee at the ceremony.

The 80th anniversary marks a pivotal moment in China’s modern history, serving as a reminder of both the suffering endured and the strength shown by the Chinese people during the war years. The commemoration also underlines the shared historical memory across the country, with Hong Kong playing an active role in recognizing this national milestone.

Officials said the ceremony in Hong Kong was meant to foster a sense of unity, historical awareness, and national pride, especially among younger generations.

The move, framed as a way to ensure that public venues do not become platforms for subversion, has drawn sharp criticism from pro-democracy advocates and business groups, who fear the policy will extend surveillance into everyday commerce and chill political expression in the private sector.

Critics argue the new scrutiny is aimed at silencing dissent in the wake of the 2019 anti-government protests, during which thousands of businesses expressed solidarity with the movement. Many cafés and small shops famously displayed protest art, offered discounts to demonstrators, or used slogans like “Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times” actions now potentially punishable under the 2020 National Security Law imposed by Beijing.

“Public officers must handle applications with national security in mind,” Lee said. “This includes assessing whether a business promotes ideas contrary to the stability of the state.”

Though the government claims the move is about safeguarding order, human rights advocates warn it could have sweeping consequences for freedom of speech and economic fairness. “This creates a climate of fear,” said Grace Leung, a political analyst at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. “Business owners now risk penalties not just for illegal acts, but for ideological associations.”

In recent months, several shops have reportedly had licenses denied or revoked based on their past public affiliations with the pro-democracy movement, though authorities deny targeting specific political views.

The new licensing policy also comes amid broader efforts by the Hong Kong government to align more closely with mainland Chinese governance norms, including expanded police powers, revised school curriculums, and tightened rules for civil society organizations.

As Hong Kong approaches the fifth anniversary of the 2019 unrest, observers say the shift from protest-tolerant pluralism to ideological conformity continues to reshape the city’s identity.