[Commentary] July 1 is the anniversary of Hong Kong's return. On this day 23 years ago, Hong Kong, which was occupied by British colonists for more than 100 years, officially returned to its motherland. Zeng Cai'an, then Hong Kong's chief border liaison officer, received the "most important task" in his life: at 0:00 on July 1, to welcome the Chinese People's Liberation Army troops stationed in Hong Kong.

　　[Same period] Zeng Caian, former chief border liaison officer of Hong Kong

　　I was transferred to this position in March 1997, and immediately began to be responsible for the preparation of all matters at the border when I returned. Since I was a young police officer, I have worked at the border many times, so I am very familiar with the situation at the border, so I was sent to the post in this regard, and I started immediately.

　　[Explanation] Zeng Cai'an began to deploy the relevant work on the border when he returned. Zeng Caian kept on running between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and he did a good job in communication between Hong Kong and mainland government departments and coordination among different departments in Hong Kong.

　　[Same period] Zeng Caian, former chief border liaison officer of Hong Kong

　　The vast majority of our colleagues greet the return with excitement and expectation. This matter is very positive in the entire border police area.

　　[Commentary] At 11:30 on the evening of June 30, 1997, Zeng Caian came to the Wenjindu Port in the New Territories of Hong Kong to wait in line. The PLA troops stationed in Hong Kong are ready to go on the Shenzhen border across the bridge. At this time, Zeng Cai'an can no longer take the excitement and tension into consideration. He checks over and over again, anticipating every step and waiting for the important moment in history.

　　[Same period] Zeng Caian, former chief border liaison officer of Hong Kong

　　At about 11 o'clock in the evening, I checked the watch with all my colleagues and determined that the time difference could not be greater than one second. Then I agreed to use the radio channel (communication), and I ordered it. When they came in at 0:00, I said, change the badge. Every colleague prepared another badge (uniform) with the SAR police badge, which was immediately replaced. There are also hats, and the badge of the police cap is in the pocket. Take down the (old police badge), pull it out, and put it on the new one. So within a minute, all 1,000 of our police district were changed.

　　[Commentary] At 0:00 on July 1, 1997, PLA troops stationed in Hong Kong entered Hong Kong from the land via three ports. The heavy rain was like a rain. The PLA standing on the car was soaked in body, but it was still, and it was full of energy. On both sides of the road were crowded Hong Kong citizens who came to welcome, Zeng Cai stood quietly and watched the troop-carrying vehicles slowly passing by.

　　[Same period] Zeng Caian, former chief border liaison officer of Hong Kong

　　Hong Kong has returned, and this is the only time in history. I have had a chance. I am in this position, at the border, to make a little contribution. I feel very honored.

　　[Commentary] When "Hong Kong returned to the motherland", Zeng Caian was 43 years old. For him, the return of Hong Kong has a more important meaning, because he finally has the opportunity and freedom to say "I am Chinese".

　　[Same period] Zeng Caian, former chief border liaison officer of Hong Kong

　　When I was studying in the UK, from 1975 to 1978, the British asked me, where did you come from and who did you come from? I said I am Chinese, from Hong Kong. He said no, you are not Chinese, what do I say is not Chinese? (He said yes) Hong Kong people. At that time, I felt that even if I said that I was Chinese, no one else gave me a chance. But now I can honestly say that I am Chinese. So this feeling is very strong, and I am particularly proud of (I can) say "I am Chinese".

　　【Commentary】In the past 23 years, Zeng Cai'an has been heartbroken and angry in the face of Hong Kong, which is now severely damaged by radical demonstrators. He hoped that Hong Kong's National Security Law would bring stability to the society after it was passed. He also believed that with the support of the central government, Hong Kong would certainly be able to regain prosperity and glory.

　　Reporter Chen Anyi Chen Haonan reports from Hong Kong

Editor in charge: [Li Yuxin]