The third National Security Education Study Tour, organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, concluded today, as its 187 participants returned to Hong Kong from the Mainland this afternoon.

A total of 30 primary and secondary schools joined the tour, comprising principals, teachers and students, including 17 non-Chinese speaking students. The itinerary, which began on March 28, covered visits to Beijing and Nanjing.

The primary school group completed its tour and returned to Hong Kong on April 1. The secondary school group proceeded to Nanjing on the same day and returned today.

Secretary General of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Au Chi-kwong accompanied the study tour to Beijing on March 28. Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan joined the tour on March 29.

On March 30, the tour was received by Deputy Director of CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Nong Rong, who is also Deputy Director of State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office.

In Beijing, the group was invited to view the national flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square from the viewing stands on April 1. They also visited the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass.

Their itinerary in the capital also included a visit to the Museum of the Communist Party of China, the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Zhongguancun Science & Technology Exhibition Center, and the China Science & Technology Museum.

While in Nanjing, the group visited the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, the Jiangsu National Security Education Museum, and an iron and steel enterprise.

Students also exchanged ideas with teachers and students from the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and the Zhongguancun No. 3 Primary School Science & Technology Park Campus in Beijing.

Mr Cheung encouraged the students to deepen their understanding of the history and current development of the motherland.

He also urged the students to make the most of the tour to appreciate the country’s history, culture and technological advancements, as well as current national affairs, to better equip themselves and contribute to the motherland and Hong Kong in the future.