(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The insertion of provisions of the National Security Law in land sales is in line with Hong Kong’s responsibility to protect national security and the property sector is in support of discharging that responsibility.

Chief Executive John Lee made the remarks in reply to questions from reporters before he attended an Executive Council meeting this morning.

“The introduction of national security factors in our sale of land is an obvious thing that is in accordance with our responsibility in protecting national security. I note that representatives from the property sector have indicated that they are in support of discharging that responsibility.”

Mr Lee added that he sees no negative bearings on bidding decisions after national security factors were included as part of land sales.

“Such a provision has been in place for quite a while and there have been land sales since its introduction. So this factor is an actual factor that, I think, has no relevance at all to any decisions by any businesses who are interested in bidding for land sales and would basically consider it from their business angle.”