HK residents urged to share the obligation to safeguard national security and contribute to the city’s greater development

Senior officials of the Central People’s Government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government officiate at the inaugural ceremony of National Security Education Day 2023 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday. The officials are (from left) Liu Guangyuan, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Zheng Yanxiong, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR; Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council; John Lee Ka-chiu, Hong Kong chief executive; Li Jiangzhou, deputy director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong; and Peng Jingtang, commander of the People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison. Lee is also chairman of the National Security Committee of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

Central government officials in charge of Hong Kong affairs highlighted on Saturday the importance of strengthening the special administrative region’s ability to safeguard national security, saying that doing so is crucial for the city to seek greater development in the new stage of advancing from stability to prosperity.

Also during an event for National Security Education Day, Hong Kong officials vowed to diligently fulfill their responsibilities to safeguard national security, guard against emerging risks in the financial and cybersecurity sectors, and further enhance residents’ incentive to protect national security.

Members of the youth uniformed groups stand at attention during the national flag-raising ceremony at the Hong Kong Police College. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, who is on a six-day inspection tour of Hong Kong, addressed the opening ceremony for activities marking National Security Education Day, saying that national security is closely related to Hong Kong’s future.

“Safeguarding national security is to uphold ‘one country, two systems’, promote Hong Kong’s prosperity and development, protect Hong Kong’s democracy and freedom, safeguard the human rights and fundamental well-being of all Hong Kong residents, and safeguard the interests of all foreign and mainland investors in the city,” he said.

An honor guard marches with the national flag as it practices Chinese-style foot drills during the flag-raising ceremony at the Hong Kong Police Force College on Saturday. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

Xia said that although the “anti-extradition bill” riots in Hong Kong in 2019 did not achieve their aim, they served as a wake-up call for everyone and clearly demonstrated the importance of safeguarding national security.

He emphasized that ordinary residents share an obligation to the mission, as everyone will benefit from the city’s stability and prosperity. Performing this duty is not contradictory to people’s freedom to express themselves, and there are ways other than public processions to lodge appeals and protect interests, Xia said.

In addition, Xia slammed the continuous smears against Hong Kong from external forces since the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, saying that the city remains one of the freest economies in the world, and global investors’ confidence in Hong Kong has been further boosted as the city has restored stability.

A grand show is performed by the Force Escort Group, the Police Band, the Police Dog Unit (above) and the Counter Terrorism Response Unit during an open house at the School of Foundation Training, Hong Kong Police College (Wong Chuk Hang Campus), on Saturday. The show demonstrated the ability of the local disciplined forces to maintain law and order and safeguard national security. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

A grand show is performed by the Force Escort Group, the Police Band, the Police Dog Unit and the Counter Terrorism Response Unit (above) during an open house at the School of Foundation Training, Hong Kong Police College (Wong Chuk Hang Campus), on Saturday. The show demonstrated the ability of the local disciplined forces to maintain law and order and safeguard national security. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

Addressing the same event, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that following Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, activities endangering national security had continuously escalated. Under the safeguards of the National Security Law, the city has resumed order and its effort to attract global investors and tourists with high-profile promotional campaigns is in full swing.

He cautioned that the city must not underestimate hidden national security threats. Although the city has restored stability under the National Security Law, a handful of anti-China forces have gone underground and continue to plot disruptive activities, he said. Amid tense international relations, overseas antagonistic forces have also repeatedly meddled in Hong Kong’s affairs and defamed its reputation, Lee said.

To cope with the threats, Lee said the SAR government will further improve related mechanisms and finish local legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law as soon as possible.

Young students and children get an up-close look at the everyday work of the Hong Kong Police Force through equipment displays and virtual-reality games during an open house at the School of Foundation Training, Hong Kong Police College. A variety of activities — including picture-book distribution and workshops — were also held across the city to enhance awareness among the younger generations the importance of safeguarding national security. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

Zheng Yanxiong, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR, said he hopes that Hong Kong society has learned a lesson from its past experience and will continuously strengthen its ability to safeguard national security to prevent a resurgence of political unrest.

Noting that people overseas still have many misunderstandings concerning the real situation in Hong Kong after the National Security Law’s implementation, he also stressed the importance of telling the world about what really happened in Hong Kong and sharing good stories about the city.

To mark the first National Security Education Day after Hong Kong fully returned to normal life following the COVID-19 outbreak, the city planned diverse activities, some of which were first-time events.

Young students and children get an up-close look at the everyday work of the Hong Kong Police Force through equipment displays and virtual-reality games during an open house at the School of Foundation Training, Hong Kong Police College. A variety of activities — including picture-book distribution and workshops — were also held across the city to enhance awareness among the younger generations the importance of safeguarding national security. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

Young students and children get an up-close look at the everyday work of the Hong Kong Police Force through equipment displays and virtual-reality games during an open house at the School of Foundation Training, Hong Kong Police College. A variety of activities — including picture-book distribution and workshops — were also held across the city to enhance awareness among the younger generations the importance of safeguarding national security. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

A seminar was held on Saturday to highlight national security challenges and countermeasures, as well as threats to financial security and cybersecurity.

In addition, Hong Kong law enforcement personnel took part in a flag-raising ceremony, and five of their training schools were opened to the public, with drill performances and displays of equipment. 

A visitor surnamed Yeung, who attended activities at Hong Kong Police College, said she was impressed by the police officers’ demonstration of skills. Yeung said she is confident in the Police Force’s professionalism and feels secure because the officers are protecting national security.

Florence Li contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at bingcun@chinadailyhk.com