HONG KONG: Central government officials in charge of Hong Kong affairs highlighted on Saturday the importance of strengthening the special administrative region’s ability to safeguard national security, saying it is crucial for the city to seek greater development in the new stage of advancing from stability to prosperity.
Also during an event for National Security Education Day, Hong Kong officials vowed to diligently fulfill their responsibilities of safeguarding national security, guard against emerging risks in the financial and cybersecurity sectors, and further enhance residents’ initiative in protecting national security.
Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, who is on a six-day visit to Hong Kong, addressed the opening ceremony for activities marking National Security Education Day, saying that national security is closely related to Hong Kong’s future.
“Safeguarding national security is to uphold ‘one country, two systems’, promote Hong Kong’s prosperity and development, protect Hong Kong’s democracy and freedom, safeguard the human rights and fundamental well-being of all Hong Kong residents, and safeguard the interests of all foreign and mainland investors in the city,” he said. Xia said that although the “anti-extradition bill” riots in Hong Kong in 2019 did not achieve their aim, they served as a wake-up call for everyone and clearly demonstrated the importance of safeguarding national security.
–The Daily Mail-China
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