Chief Executive John Lee chaired the first meeting of the “Chief Executive Counter-terrorism (CT) Steering Group” today.

Several topics were discussed at the meeting. These included the work of groups under the Three-tier Prevention Framework, the global and local terrorism threat landscape, and the overall strategy and direction of the Government's CT work.

Mr Lee requested that relevant bureaus and departments conduct a large-scale interdepartmental CT exercise in late August, simulating responses to terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure in Hong Kong, with a view to further enhancing the Government's CT preparedness and response capabilities.

He said that while Hong Kong is generally safe and stable, the global terrorism situation remains complex, adding that Hong Kong may face both local and global threats in the terrorism landscape. The Government's overall CT work must therefore be strengthened.

“This large-scale CT drill will effectively enhance CT awareness and the co-ordination capability of different bureaus and departments in responding to various forms of terrorist attacks.”

To strengthen CT preparedness, the CE's 2024 Policy Address announced the establishment of the Three-tier Prevention Framework. This comprises the steering group, which formulates CT policies, as the first tier; the Secretary for Security Counter-terrorism Co-ordinating Group, which co-ordinates bureaus’ and departments’ work on CT matters, as the second tier; and, as the third tier, seven interdepartmental working groups whose remit includes following up on specific matters and carrying out CT work.

The steer group is led by the Chief Executive, with the Chief Secretary, the Financial Secretary and the Secretary for Justice serving as deputy chairmen.

Its membership includes representatives from the Security Bureau, the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau, the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau, the Police Force, the Immigration Department, the Customs & Excise Department, the Fire Services Department, the Correctional Services Department and the Government Flying Service.