The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today announced that the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will host the National Security Education Day opening ceremony and seminar tomorrow morning at the Convention & Exhibition Centre.

CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong will attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote speech via video link.

Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive and Hong Kong National Security Committee Chairman John Lee extended a warm welcome to Mr Xia, expressing sincere gratitude for his ongoing guidance and support for Hong Kong.

Mr Lee noted that this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, a critical period for Hong Kong as it transitions from stability towards prosperity. The fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress approved the “Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan”, setting the strategic design for the nation’s economic and social development over the next five years.

“Hong Kong will proactively align with the 15th Five-Year Plan. We are formulating at full steam Hong Kong’s first five-year plan to provide clear guidance for Hong Kong’s future economic, social and livelihood development, and drive Hong Kong’s better integration into and service of the overall national development,” Mr Lee said.

Mr Lee also noted that the State Council Information Office released a white paper on February 10 titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”. The document provides a comprehensive review of the city’s efforts and experiences in protecting national security.

"The white paper states clearly that the central government bears the fundamental responsibility for affairs concerning national security in Hong Kong, while the Hong Kong SAR shoulders the constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security. We must adhere to a holistic approach to national security as its guiding principle, grasp the practical requirements of safeguarding national security under the framework of ‘one country, two systems’, and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests,” the Chief Executive said.

To mark National Security Education Day, the Hong Kong Committee for Safeguarding National Security is organising the opening ceremony, a seminar and various school and community activities. Mr Lee added that these initiatives aim to enhance public awareness and encourage all citizens to proactively fulfil their responsibility in safeguarding national security.