The Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region convened its first meeting today, which was attended by all members.

The National Security Adviser appointed by the Central People's Government also sat in on the meeting.

The national security committee was established on July 3 in accordance with Article 12 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The committee is chaired by Chief Executive Carrie Lam.

Its members comprise Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung, Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng, Secretary for Security John Lee, Commissioner of Police Tang Ping-keung, Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security) Edwina Lau, Director of Immigration Au Ka-wang, Commissioner of Customs & Excise Hermes Tang and Chief Executive's Office Director Chan Kwok-ki who is also the committee’s Secretary General.

As stipulated in Article 15 of the law, the committee shall have a national security adviser to provide advice on matters relating to the committee’s duties and functions in safeguarding national security and the adviser shall sit in on committee meetings.

The State Council has appointed Luo Huining as the National Security Adviser.

According to Article 14 of the law, the committee shall analyse and assess developments in relation to safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, make work plans and formulate policies, advance the development of the Hong Kong SAR’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms, and co-ordinate major work and significant operations for safeguarding national security.

Article 14 of the law also stipulates that no institution, organisation or individual in the Hong Kong SAR shall interfere with the work of the committee. Information relating to the committee’s work shall not be subject to disclosure and its decisions shall not be amenable to judicial review.