As it happened: Beijing’s top man on Hong Kong, Xia Baolong, urges focus on development, as John Lee vows vigilance over national security risks
- Chief Executive John Lee, also addressing National Security Education Day ceremony, reminds residents to remain vigilant over persistent risks
- This year’s awareness day is first since domestic national security legislation came into force last month
Xia Baolong, Beijing’s top man on Hong Kong affairs, and other leading officials kicked off National Security Education Day on Monday by addressing the opening ceremony of an event marking the 10th anniversary of a holistic approach to protecting the country’s safety.
Other top officials including Zheng Yanxiong, the director of the central government’s liaison office in the city, also took to the stage at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.
This year’s National Security Education Day is the first after the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance – legislation mandated under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution – came into force last month.
The day was first launched to raise public awareness of national security and create a positive atmosphere around its safeguarding.
It was also designed to boost the city’s ability to avoid national security risks.
Follow the Post’s live blog for the officials’ speeches and major events.
Reporting by Kahon Chan, Jeffie Lam, Willa Wu, Emily Hung, Jess Ma and Ng Kang-chung