“[The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance] has shown that Hong Kong has an iron wall and is united to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests,” Zheng said at a ceremony at the Police College in Wong Chuk Hang.

“Hong Kong can now go all out to boost the economy, seek development, improve people’s livelihood and drive the transition from stability to prosperity.”

The legislation was required under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution.

Zheng, along with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Commissioner of Police Raymond Siu Chak-yee who were also attending the event, noted the significance of this year also marking the 10th anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping rolling out a holistic approach to national security.

The force’s college opened to the public on Saturday as part of activities linked to the education day, with officers putting on musical performances, driving demonstrations, police dog shows, and counterterrorism drills by the special duties unit, counter terrorism response unit and drone team.

The city leader and his spouse, Janet Lee Lam Lai-sim, were seen chatting with children who were taking part in games at the college.

The drills were followed by a performance by Cantopop singer Kenny Bee, who sang a song he produced called “Safeguard Hong Kong”.

National Security Education Day has been celebrated in the city on April 15 every year since 2021.

The holistic approach to national security is part of an ideology introduced by Xi in 2014 covering a wide range of security issues, from politics and the military to technology, cyberspace, outer space and biosecurity.

City leader Lee said the domestic national security law provided a more solid guarantee for the security of the country and the city, allowing Hong Kong to pursue economic development and improve the livelihood of residents while maintaining long-term prosperity and stability.

“April 15 this year is of special significance to Hong Kong because this year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s holistic approach to national security and the first National Security Education Day since the city passed the legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law,” he said.

Police chief Siu said the new legislation improved the legal system and enforcement mechanisms while stamping out risks to the country’s safety.

He also acknowledged the long-standing contributions of police officers as this year marked the 180th anniversary of the establishment of the force.

Ex-Hong Kong police chief tells young people past shows need for national security

“Since its establishment in 1844, the force has faced various ups and downs and challenges, but officers of different generations have shouldered the mission of protecting residents’ lives and property,” he said.

The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance covers 39 offences divided into five categories: treason; insurrection, incitement to mutiny and disaffection, and acts with seditious intention; sabotage; external interference; and theft of state secrets and espionage.

The new legislation sits alongside the Beijing-imposed 2020 national security law, which outlawed secession, subversion, collusion with foreign forces and terrorism.

A variety of events and ceremonies will be rolled out over the weekend and on Monday to celebrate the awareness day, including a flag-raising ceremony, open days for the disciplined and auxiliary services, seminars, visits to schools by government officials, and other activities.

A high-profile seminar and ceremony will also be held on Monday, featuring Lee and mainland Chinese envoys based in the city.

Government departments will also organise community activities across the 18 districts.