Xia Baolong to give national security education speech

The head of Beijing's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office will give a speech at the opening ceremony of National Security Education Day on Wednesday. The Committee for Safeguarding National Security said Xia Baolong will speak via a video link. In a statement, the committee's chairman, Chief Executive John Lee, expressed gratitude to Xia for his ongoing guidance, care and support for the SAR. Lee noted that back in February, Beijing released a white paper on Hong Kong safeguarding national security under the one country, two system's framework. "The white paper states clearly that the central government bears the fundamental responsibility for affairs concerning national security in Hong Kong, while the HKSAR shoulders the constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security," he said. "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." Lee added that the SAR government is formulating the city's first five-year plan, in part to help Hong Kong serve and integrate into overall national development. The chief executive said the committee organises the education day ceremony as well as a subsequent seminar on national security. He went on to say that it also coordinates a series of school and community activities that help boost public awareness and a sense of responsibility for safeguarding national security. Edited by Thomas McAlinden