Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor (fourth left) leads in officiating in the opening ceremony of the "National Security Education Day 2021" at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on April 15, 2021.(CHINA DAILY/EDMOND TANG)
Thursday morning's opening ceremony of National Security Education Day kicked off a series of activities to mark its first celebration since the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong.
The ceremony was officiated by key officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the central government, including Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and Luo Huining, the central government's top liaison official in the HKSAR.
Officiating the ceremony, Lam said two moves by the central government – enacting the National Security Law for Hong Kong and improving its electoral system – have stabilized the city's situation.
To better fulfill the SAR's constitutional obligation of safeguarding national security, a holistic approach encompassing various policy areas is needed, she said. The whole society should be mobilized to take part in such efforts, and civil servants have more important responsibilities in this aspect, added Lam.
She said she believes that with concerted efforts and if it can go back to the original intention of the Basic Law, the city will be able to properly implement "one country, two systems" and "patriots administering Hong Kong" policies.
Delivering his speech at the ceremony, Luo assured that the central authorities will lend full support to the HKSAR for its lawful crackdown on criminal activities endangering national security and to the individuals and institutions that have been subjected to threat and sanctions for safeguarding national security.
"Any act endangering national security as well as Hong Kong's prosperity and stability will be dealt with swiftly and effectively. Any attempt by foreign countries and external forces to flagrantly interfere in the affairs of Hong Kong, and to exploit Hong Kong as a pawn will be met with impactful countermeasures," he said.
To safeguard national security, it is imperative to implement the decision of the nation's top legislature on improving Hong Kong's electoral system, he said. "When it comes to matters of principle such as national sovereignty and security as well as the fundamental well-being of Hong Kong residents, true patriots should step up to the plate to meet the challenge in the administration of Hong Kong."
The day's events include three seminars with officials and experts discussing political security, economic security, and homeland, military and overseas interest security.
Various activities will also take place in schools and communities to raise local residents' awareness of national security. The academies of five disciplined services will be open to the public, with exhibitions and performances that explain their work on safeguarding national security.
