A flag raising ceremony is held in Hong Kong to mark the region's 18th anniversary of its return to China on July 1, 2015. [Photo: CRIENGLISH/ Li Jing]

A flag raising ceremony was held in Hong Kong this morning to mark the region's 18th anniversary of its return to China.

Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung was present at the event.

Delivering a speech afterwards, the regional head said he hopes Hong Kong will be united for future development despite the challenges faced during the past year.

More events are scheduled to mark the anniversary later on today.