Leaders and residents of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions said on Wednesday that the Victory Day parade in Beijing served as a powerful reminder of the need to bear history in mind and cherish peace, and it motivated them to make greater contributions to national progress.

The grand military parade was held at Tian'anmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu hailed the event as a demonstration of China's modernization, showcasing the nation's strength in defending its sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as in maintaining world peace. Lee, who led a large delegation to Beijing for the commemoration, said that Hong Kong is hosting a series of events to raise awareness of national history. He urged Hong Kong residents to proactively learn from the spirit of the war of resistance, cherish peace and contribute to national rejuvenation.

Reflecting on the 14-year-long resistance efforts, Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai said the Communist Party of China played a key role in uniting the nation against Japanese aggression, leading to China's emergence as a major global power. Macao residents should draw inspiration from the spirit of resistance, strengthen their sense of patriotism and love for the city, and continue to forge ahead on the new journey, he added.

Elizabeth Quat Pui-fan, a Hong Kong lawmaker who was present at the gathering, said the parade left her "deeply thrilled and amazed".

She expressed her admiration for the intelligent unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone equipment that were displayed, saying that these "demonstrate the Chinese military's advanced strength and capabilities in emerging domains".

Another attendee, Lao Tun-ieong, who is principal of Macao's Hou Kong Middle School, expressed his deep respect for those who made sacrifices to achieve liberation for the country.

"We should revere them ... only then can we be worthy of our predecessors," he said.

The parade in Beijing stirred profound patriotism among Hong Kong and Macao compatriots back home. Many watched the live feed on big screens at shopping malls, on their mobile phones during subway commutes, and at organized events on university campuses.

Anson Sui Pan-wa, who recently graduated from Hong Kong College of Technology, watched the livestreaming of the parade on the campus in Ma On Shan, along with 200 students and staff members. "Watching the event has strengthened my sense of belonging to the motherland. I feel proud and privileged to be Chinese," he said.

Compared with the event in 2015, which marked the 70th anniversary of the victory in the war against Japanese aggression, Sui said he found this year's commemoration to be more exciting, given the debut of the aerospace, cyberspace and information support forces of the Chinese military.

Wednesday's grand parade was also livestreamed at Macao Polytechnic University and the University of Macau.

At Macao Polytechnic University, Macao's Secretary for Administration and Justice Cheong Weng-chon said the SAR has always been an integral part of the nation's resistance efforts, with its residents and patriotic associations raising funds and supplies to support the Chinese army.

Cheong encouraged students to align their personal growth with the country's development, urging them to contribute more to the continued progress of both Macao and the nation.

Lu Wanqing, Atlas Shao, Jiang Chenglong and Andy Chong contributed to this story.