Today, April 15, marks the 10th "National Security Education Day." In an article published in newspapers, Chief Executive John Lee stated that the world is undergoing unprecedented changes, with increasingly complex geopolitical dynamics, frequent regional conflicts, slowing global economic growth, rising unilateralism and protectionism, and growing global uncertainties. Hong Kong faces unpredictable national security risks, including external interference and infiltration, anti-China elements who have fled overseas engaging in smear campaigns, and covert forces within the city stirring division, confrontation, and "soft resistance" to undermine unity. Threats such as homegrown terrorism and lone-wolf attacks cannot be ignored. Hong Kong must comprehensively advance the modernization of its national security system and capabilities, working with all sectors to prepare for national security challenges.
Lee noted that since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law in 2020, annual activities held on "National Security Education Day" have engaged schools and communities to achieve the following: raising national security awareness, promoting knowledge of national security, advancing the rule of law in national security, and collectively safeguarding national security.
Lee outlined four key areas of preparation:
1. Resolutely and accurately implementing the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, deepening efforts to uphold the supreme principle of safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests.
2. Deepening understanding of the "Holistic National Security Concept," balancing development and security, preventing and resolving major risks, enhancing emergency response capabilities, and maintaining social stability.
3. Continuously improving the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for national security, including revising the Trade Unions Ordinance, optimizing disciplinary mechanisms for civil servants, and updating the Hong Kong National Security Education Curriculum Framework.
4. Promoting national security education through innovative approaches, leveraging cross-media platforms and technology, encouraging family participation, and fostering a societal commitment to safeguarding national security.
Lee emphasized that Chinese modernization is steadily advancing the goals of national strength and rejuvenation, with "One Country, Two Systems" entering a new phase. Hong Kong must capitalize on its unique advantages—backed by the motherland and connected to the world—to deepen international cooperation. While striving for economic growth, development, and improving livelihoods, Hong Kong must vigorously protect national sovereignty, security, and development interests, strengthen its national security foundation, and lay a solid basis for high-quality development, contributing more to the nation's high-level global engagement.