OpinionHong Kong must stay watchful to protect its hard-won prosperity
During a ceremony marking National Security Education Day, leaders spoke of the need to be vigilant against various risks and challenges
The annual National Security Education Day has been observed across China since its inception in 2015. In Hong Kong, it carried additional significance this year as the city strives to build on the restored stability and prosperity for a new critical stage of development under the nation’s new five-year blueprint.
Addressing the event via video link, Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, reminded the city that security is not something that can be achieved “once and for all”. He said the transition from “chaos to order” and now towards “prosperity” must be protected through constant vigilance, a clear understanding of risks and the consolidation of a robust institutional framework. Referring to the city’s deadliest high-rise building fire at Wang Fuk Court last November, Xia said people with ulterior motives politicised the tragedy in a bid to stir up chaos. “It once again reminds us that Hong Kong still faces various risks and challenges on its journey from stability to prosperity,” he said.
Noting that the first year of the national 15th five-year plan marks a critical stage for Hong Kong’s development, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu pledged to provide clear guidance for economic, social and livelihood development and drive better integration into the overall national development under the city’s first five-year blueprint.
Hong Kong’s recovery over the past few years shows how national security brings opportunities. As order and stability returned, the city restored its global reputation as a safe place for business. It also seized the momentum to contribute to national development, opening up new markets while bridging the world and the country with its unique strengths under “one country, two systems”.
This is no small achievement, considering the transformation has met with pressure and resistance both internally and externally. The progress also demands constant vigilance against emerging risks, both external and domestic.