HKSAR organises activities for 2023 National Security Education Day
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Launched today (April 15) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the 2023 National Security Education Day activities were hosted by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the National Security Committee) and supported by the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) and the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS). Officiating guests attending the launching ceremony were the Vice Chairman of the 13th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong; the Chairman of the National Security Committee and the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mr John Lee; the National Security Advisor of the National Security Committee and Director of LOCPG, Mr Zheng Yanxiong; the Deputy Head of OSNS, Mr Li Jiangzhou; the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Liu Guangyuan; and the Commander-in-chief of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Major General Peng Jingtang.
In his keynote speech delivered at the opening ceremony, Mr Xia stressed that with security comes fortune. Security brings the greatest fortune while disorder results in the greatest calamity. The security of Hong Kong is premised on the security of our Motherland, and the security of our home is premised on the security of our country. Mr Xia also raised "six beliefs": the belief that the HKSAR Government and its governing team are able to shoulder the primary responsibility of administering Hong Kong; the belief that those who love the Motherland and Hong Kong must be able to wholeheartedly support the Chief Executive and the administration of the HKSAR; the belief that the judicial and legal sector must be able to shoulder the mission of safeguarding national security and the rule of law in Hong Kong; the belief that Hong Kong fosters opportunities and wealth and that prosperity and stability are most beneficial to all walks of life; the belief that everyone should contribute to safeguarding the harmony and stability of Hong Kong, as Hong Kong is home for all of us; and the belief that the youth will be able to bear the responsibilities towards their families, Hong Kong and the Motherland.
In his speech, Mr Lee anaylsed the relationship between the implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong National Security Law) and the HKSAR, the significance of deepening the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law in the HKSAR, and how Hong Kong can further discharge its duty of safeguarding national security. He said that everyone in Hong Kong has a responsibility in national security matters. Just as everyone has the right to enjoy a secure nation, everyone has the obligation to contribute to safeguarding national security.
Mr Zheng pointed out that we need to deeply reflect on the serious disorderly situation in the past and learn from the lesson. He said the currently stable situation is not yet firm, and there is room for improvement in the legal system and enforcement mechanisms. There remain many misperceptions about Hong Kong among foreigners. It is therefore necessary for us to tell the truth to the world, and to appreciate that the road to prosperity must always be accompanied by effective governance.
Mr Li said the underlying threats to national security have not been completely eliminated. The uncertainty associated with external forces is increasing, and thorough implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and enhancement to the legal system were still needed. Mr Liu said the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong is premised on a peaceful and calm international environment, and safeguarding national sovereignty and security as well as development interests are the missions of Chinese diplomacy. Major General Peng pointed out that the Hong Kong Garrison will continue to strengthen itself in all aspects with a view to safeguarding national security and Hong Kong's long term prosperity and stability, as well as contributing to the further implementation of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong.
The theme of the 2023 National Security Education Day is "National Security – Foundation of Stability and Prosperity". Many and varied events were held, some for the first time, including the Safeguarding National Security Cup of the disciplined services; community activities concurrently organised in 18 districts to promote national security education, and the first ever national security picture book with animated version. Other activities include a TV and radio programme "NSL chronicles II"; a roving exhibition held at 12 locations from April 15 to the end of June; a total of 30 national security education workshops in primary schools; some 60 000 national security education picture books distributed to primary schools; a flag-raising ceremony jointly held by the disciplined services, as well as an open day concurrently held by the disciplined services, etc. The common purposes of these activities are to raise the awareness of Hong Kong residents of national security, to create a strong atmosphere for safeguarding national security, and to deepen the public's understanding of the Constitution, Basic Law and Hong Kong National Security Law, in order to better understand every component of the holistic approach to national security and foster a stronger national identity.
On July 1, 2015, the 15th session of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress passed the National Security Law of the People's Republic of China. The Law designates April 15 every year as the National Security Education Day. The Hong Kong National Security Law was promulgated on June 30, 2020 and implemented on the same day. The Committee was established in July 2020. To date, three annual series of National Security Education Day activities were held.
For details about the activities of this year's National Security Education Day, please visit the dedicated website of the National Security Education Day (www.nsed.gov.hk).
Ends/Saturday, April 15, 2023
Issued at HKT 22:15
Issued at HKT 22:15
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