The social unrest that erupted in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region last year has posed a potential threat to national security, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Wednesday.
Unlawful acts and radicalism that manifested in the often-violent protests verged on terrorism, and could have endangered national security if not curbed effectively, she said in a video address to mark the fifth National Security Education Day as the city joined the nation in promoting knowledge of national security among the public.
In her five-minute address, Lam cited as examples radical protesters making explosives and other weapons, as well as carrying out potentially lethal attacks on police officers during the months of unrest. Cyberbullying and hate speech directed at people holding different views were also rife, she noted.
Hong Kong owes it not only to itself, but also to the whole country, to maintain its security and stability, she said, adding that the SAR has a constitutional obligation to safeguard national security as an inalienable part of China.
The unrest has deepened residents' understanding of the importance of national security, Lam said. In meeting the crisis, the SAR government maintained three principles; namely, upholding “one country, two systems”, safeguarding the rule of law, and protecting Hong Kong’s institutional strengths.
The SAR government, local schools and universities, as well as social groups, should work together to promote national security in the Hong Kong community, she said.
The scope of national security also includes public health security and financial security, as well as other more profound and far-reaching aspects. “In the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the HKSAR government will not slacken its efforts and will continue to work together with the public to fight the outbreak,” Lam said.
The spread of the novel coronavirus across the world has highlighted the importance of public health. It is part of national security and needs to be achieved through regional cooperation, she said.
To protect public health, The SAR government has been responding to the outbreak in a prompt and transparent manner. It has heeded the advice of health experts and followed closely developments on the disease. The government has implemented an array of virus-control measures, and will never take the matter lightly, Lam said.
As an international financial center with a free flow of capital, Hong Kong’s financial security is of particular importance to national security, she said.
Its close connectivity with the mainland’s financial markets, and its status as the largest offshore renminbi hub speak volumes about Hong Hong’s role in this aspect, Lam said.
Hong Kong has sound mechanisms to cope with possible financial crises, caused by the pandemic or upheavals in the global market, including ample fiscal reserves and liquidity in the banking system, a linked exchange-rate system, professional risk management services, and transparent and internationally recognized regulations.
Despite the recent volatility in global financial markets, Hong Kong’s financial system remains robust, showing the market remains confident in the city, said Lam.
