A senior Beijing official overseeing Hong Kong affairs on Wednesday urged the SAR to stay vigilant to security risks that affect the city’s prosperity and stability.

Xia Baolong, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, said some people attempted to politicise last year's deadly Tai Po fire to stir up chaos.

Delivering a keynote speech via video link at the opening ceremony for National Security Education Day, Xia said Hong Kong must stay alert to the interference of external forces and fight smears against the SAR and attacks on the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.

He also said Hong Kong should safeguard against geopolitical risks.

“We should stay vigilant to risks brought by geopolitics. In today’s world, geopolitical conflicts occur frequently and suddenly, which may have an impact on Hong Kong,” Xia said.

“We must make full preparations and firmly safeguard the interests of Hong Kong and Hong Kong people. The motherland will always be Hong Kong’s strong backing.”

Xia said security is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, and the foundation of the SAR’s development.

“I believe the SAR government will fulfil its duty in taking a leading role and bearing the primary responsibility to better coordinate development and security, pool the wisdom of all to formulate and implement the first [Hong Kong] five-year plan, combining an efficient market with a capable government to solve problems in reform and development and promote Hong Kong’s advancement from stability to prosperity with powerful measures,” he said.

Xia also called for the business sector to support the five-year blueprint, urging enterprises to fulfil their social responsibilities and integrate their own growth into national development.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden