Chief Executive Carrie Lam welcomed the State Council's decision today to appoint Luo Huining as the National Security Adviser to the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The appointment was made in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

In a statement, Mrs Lam also welcomed the appointments made by the State Council on the personnel of the office established by the Central People's Government (CPG) in the Hong Kong SAR for safeguarding national security.

Zheng Yanxiong was appointed as head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, while Li Jiangzhou and Sun Qingye were appointed as deputy heads.

"I welcome the appointments made by the State Council. The Hong Kong SAR Government, the National Security Advisor to the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong SAR and the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the CPG in the Hong Kong SAR will work closely, perform their respective functions and do their utmost in implementing the national security law, fulfilling the duty of the Hong Kong SAR in safeguarding national security.”

In accordance with the national security law, the national security committee is chaired by the Chief Executive. The committee shall be responsible for affairs relating to and assume primary responsibility for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong.

The committee shall be under the supervision of and accountable to the CPG. It shall have a National Security Adviser, who shall be designated by the CPG and advise on matters relating to the duties and functions of the committee. The National Security Adviser shall sit in on the committee's meetings.

The national security office shall analyse and assess developments in relation to safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, and provide opinions and make proposals on major strategies and important policies for safeguarding national security.

It will also oversee, guide and co-ordinate with, and provide support to Hong Kong in the performance of its duties for safeguarding national security, as well as collect and analyse intelligence and information concerning national security.

The office will also handle cases concerning offences endangering national security in specified circumstances in accordance with the national security law.