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

Chief Executive John Lee has welcomed the publication by central authorities of a white paper on Hong Kong’s efforts to safeguard national security, and pledged the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s full support in implementing the document.

The State Council Information Office today released a white paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”. 

Mr Lee said in a statement that he will lead and co-ordinate Hong Kong’s executive authorities, legislature and judiciary in implementing the content and requirements of the white paper, fully safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests.

The white paper covers five areas: the unrelenting fight to safeguard national security in Hong Kong; the central government’s fundamental responsibility for national security matters concerning Hong Kong; the Hong Kong SAR’s achievements in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security; Hong Kong’s transformation from disorder to stability and prosperity; and establishing high-standard security to support high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy.

Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will roll out publicity and public education on the matter through various channels, and that it will lead and encourage all sectors of society to thoroughly study and better comprehend the white paper’s substance and requirements, thereby enhancing citizens’ awareness of national security.

The Government will hold a seminar on the white paper and will upload its full text to various government websites. Mr Lee encouraged all sectors of the community to hold study and exchange activities related to the white paper.

Separately, the Chief Executive commented on the Lai Chee-ying case ahead of today’s Executive Council meeting.

He iterated that Mr Lai betrayed the country and Hong Kong, and has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment.

The Chief Executive said the punishment “sends a solemn warning against malicious plots of collusion with external elements and endangering national security.”

He added: “Poisoned by Lai and Apple Daily, under his control, some of our citizens, especially young people, have been misled to break the law and become radical and violent.

“As of the end of last year, more than 2,400 individuals have to face legal consequences for unlawful acts during the period of ‘black-clad violence’. It is plain to see that the evil deeds committed by Lai Chee-ying and his syndicate were beyond measure.”

The Chief Executive said the Hong Kong SAR Government will do its best to prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities that endanger national security.

“We will resolutely fulfil our duty to safeguard national security despite all the political attempts that try to smear our righteous actions of safeguarding national security,” he remarked.