The director of Beijing's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Xia Baolong, will give a speech via video link to mark the SAR's National Security Education Day on Monday.

The government said in a statement that Xia will take part in an opening ceremony in the morning remotely, along with his office's leading officials.

The chairman of Hong Kong's Committee on Safeguarding National Security, Chief Executive John Lee, expressed a warm welcome to Xia, adding that this year's event is particularly meaningful.

"It is the first National Security Education Day after the HKSAR has accomplished its mission under Article 23 of the Basic Law, and the first National Security Education Day after the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance took effect," he said in a statement on Sunday.

"The prevailing geopolitics has become increasingly complex, and national security risks and threats remain imminent. The means taken to endanger national security can come in many different forms and persist, and the threat can emerge all of a sudden. The public should remain vigilant.”

Security chief Chris Tang also said Hong Kong must remain on the alert.

"Although Hong Kong has further improved its legal framework and enforcement system for safeguarding national security, we must not be complacent", he told an event promoting national security education.

"The government will closely monitor the situation and take appropriate actions accordingly. We also need active participation from various sectors of the community to promote national security and to enhance citizens' awareness regarding national security."

Secretary for Education Christine Choi, for her part, said that as an inseparable part of China, Hong Kong is responsible for protecting national security and the nation's interests.
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Last updated: 2024-04-14 HKT 15:20