The National Security Education Day was held today featuring an opening ceremony with a keynote address delivered via video link by Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Director of the State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Xia Baolong.

In his video speech, Mr Xia highlighted that President Xi Jinping has identified the 15th Five-Year Plan period as a crucial stage for reinforcing development foundations. He noted it is essential for pushing ahead on all fronts to basically realise socialist modernisation.

“We should place greater emphasis on ensuring both development and security, with a comprehensive assessment of domestic and external risks and challenges, improve the national security system, strengthen our capacity to safeguard security, facilitate the virtuous interaction between high-quality development and high-level security through high-efficiency governance, and ensure the new development pattern with a new security architecture," he added.

Mr Xia outlined four guiding principles for implementing the spirit of President Xi's speech, focusing on balancing development and security to advance the "one country, two systems" principle during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. 

First, he emphasised the need to thoroughly understand the inner logic of Hong Kong's transition from chaos to order and then from stability to prosperity, noting that the city’s hard-won progress must be cherished.

Second, the Director stressed that security should never be taken for granted. He called for constant vigilance against various risks and dangers that could threaten Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

Third, Mr Xia urged the city to seize strategic opportunities arising from major global changes. He highlighted the importance of proactively aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to accelerate high-quality development.

Fourth, he noted it is imperative for all sectors of the community to join forces to safeguard security and work together to build a better Hong Kong.

Mr Xia stressed that security is a prerequisite for development, noting that progress is not possible without a secure environment. He urged the community to strengthen “bottom-line thinking” and maintain constant vigilance against all potential risks, particularly external interference and geopolitical or public security threats.

Turning to the 15th Five-Year Plan, Mr Xia pointed out that Hong Kong should enhance its scientific forward planning. He identified the Northern Metropolis as a strategic priority and called for the use of education and technology as primary engines for growth.

The Director also highlighted the need to promote synergy among industry, academia and research. He emphasised the importance of fostering the integrated development of education, technology and talent to drive the city’s new chapter of development. He added that the planning should also elaborate on constituent projects, and forge new platforms and new drivers for development.

Chief Executive and Hong Kong National Security Committee Chairman John Lee thanked Mr Xia for delivering the keynote speech, adding that it was rich in substance and profound in exposition.

“It comprehensively elucidates the inherent logic between safeguarding national security and promoting economic and social development in Hong Kong, and profoundly points the way forward for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region," Mr Lee said.

Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will proactively align with the 15th Five-Year Plan to formulate Hong Kong's first five-year plan.

“We will complete the work within this year, providing a clear guidance for socio-economic and livelihood development,” he added.

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

Mr Lee said he will lead and co-ordinate the executive authorities, the legislature and the judiciary of the Hong Kong SAR to effectively prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities that endanger national security in accordance with the law. “I will create high-standard security for the high-quality development and implement six important initiatives,” he said.

“First, upholding the unity of the central government's fundamental responsibility and the Hong Kong SAR's constitutional responsibility. Second, keeping the power to govern the Hong Kong SAR firmly in the hands of patriots. Third, respecting the rule of law and ensuring human rights. Fourth, following a holistic approach to development and security. Fifth, safeguarding security with greater openness. Sixth, improving the governance system for public security.”

Also speaking at the ceremony were Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR and National Security Advisor of the Hong Kong National Security Committee Zhou Ji; Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR Dong Jingwei; Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong SAR Cui Jianchun; and Political Commissar of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Lai Ruxin.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said it will continue to promote and deepen national security education in innovative and diversified ways to encourage all citizens to safeguard national security.

As of the end of March, the National Security Exhibition Gallery has attracted over 1.7 million visitors.

The Hong Kong SAR Government also noted that it will continue to deepen the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme. As of early 2026, approximately 3,300 individuals completed the training.

The trained tutors have organised more than 7,400 promotional activities for national security education, reaching a total of over 750,000 person-times. 

The National Security Youth Ambassador Training Scheme, which was launched in February 2025, has successfully trained about 200 youth ambassadors to date.