It is a constitutional responsibility for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security, the HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam said here Wednesday, calling for enhanced alertness against potential dangers and joint efforts to promote public awareness of national security.
The HKSAR, as an inseparable part of the People's Republic of China, has a constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security, which also bears on the vital interests of Hong Kong residents, Lam said in a speech for the launch of a website to promote national security education on Wednesday, which marks China's fifth National Security Education Day.
The HKSAR government must enhance its alertness against potential dangers even in times of peace, she added.
"The social incidents taking place in Hong Kong over the past year have brought home to us the importance of national security," Lam said. "By firmly safeguarding Hong Kong's security and stability, the HKSAR government fulfills its responsibility for not only the special administrative region but also the central government."
The scope of national security also includes public health security and financial security as well as other deeper and broader areas, Lam noted. "In the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the HKSAR government will not slacken its effort and will continue to work together with the public to fight the outbreaks."
The financial market of Hong Kong, an international financial center with all-round opening and free access to capital, is susceptible to external impacts. As Hong Kong's financial market is increasingly interconnected with the mainland market, plus Hong Kong's status as the world's largest offshore RMB business center, ensuring Hong Kong's financial security is of greater importance not only to Hong Kong but also to the overall financial security of the country, she pointed out.
Stressing the importance of education in promoting public awareness of national security, Lam called for joint efforts by the HKSAR government, schools and various organizations in encouraging Hong Kong residents to better understand the importance of national security.
