Luo Huining, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, speaks in Hong Kong on Jan 6, 2020. (PHOTO / PARKER ZHENG)

BEIJING - China's State Council on Friday announced that Luo Huining had been appointed the national security adviser to the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Luo is the director of the central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong.

Under the supervision of and accountable to the central government, the committee will be responsible for safeguarding national security in the region.

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Zheng Yanxiong has been named head of HKSAR's national security office. Li Jiangzhou and Sun Qingye were named deputy heads 

The decision was made in accordance with the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR.

A day before, Chan Kwok-ki was appointed by China's the State Council as secretary-general of the committee, nominated by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Chieng Yuet-ngor. Lam welcomed the appointments and pledged to work with Luo and Zheng.

As per the security law that came into effect on June 30, the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR chaired by Lam assumes primary responsibility for safeguarding national security in the SAR. The national security adviser designated by the central government will provide advice on matters relating to the duties and functions of the committee and shall sit in on committee meetings.

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At the same time, the role of the national security office is to analyze and assess developments in relation to safeguarding national security in the SAR, and provide opinions and make proposals on major strategies and important policies for safeguarding national security; oversee, guide, coordinate with, and provide support to the SAR concerning national security. It is also mandated to collect and analyze intelligence and information concerning national security and handle cases concerning offence endangering national security in accordance with the law.

With Xinhua inputs