The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, continued the second day of his visit to Beijing today (April 25).

     In the early morning, Mr Tang, together with the heads of disciplined services departments and the Hong Kong Disciplined Services Cultural Exchange Delegation which is currently on an exchange visit on the Mainland, watched the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square. Mr Tang called on the Secretary of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, Mr Chen Wenqing, later in the morning. Mr Chen pointed out that the Hong Kong disciplined services are politically loyal with sophisticated services and strict discipline, working hard to safeguard national security, the prosperity and stability of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the legitimate rights of the people, and making contributions. In the meeting, Mr Tang expressed his gratitude to the Central Government for its support for the law enforcement work of the HKSAR Government during the period of black-clad violence in 2019, and briefed Mr Chen on the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Security Bureau's work progress in safeguarding national security. Mr Tang also said the HKSAR Government will continue to adopt a wide range of strategies to cope with national security risks.

     In the afternoon, Mr Tang called on the Minister of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC), Mr Yu Jianhua. Mr Tang said that Hong Kong Customs will continue to strengthen co-operation with the Mainland Customs on various fronts, including intelligence exchange and real-time notification of cases, as well as the conduct of joint and special operations. He said that Hong Kong Customs will also collaborate with the GACC on smart customs to strengthen its application and promotion.
 
     Mr Tang then called on the Ministry of Transport and met with Vice-Minister of Transport Mr Dai Dongchang and the Director General of the Rescue and Salvage Bureau of the Ministry of Transport, Mr Wang Lei. Mr Tang witnessed the signing of the five-year Letter of Intent of technical exchange and the Letter of Intent for a Five-Year Plan on Technical Co-operation by the Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung, and the Controller of the Government Flying Service, Captain West Wu respectively with Mr Wang. The signing of the Letters of Intent is set to strengthen technical co-operation and the exchange of rescue experiences to enhance professional standards of both sides. Noting that the units of the two sides have been staying in close touch with each other over the years, Mr Tang said that following the resumption of normal travel between the Mainland and Hong Kong, activities including technical co-operations, exercises, exchange meetings, visits, training and more can be enhanced to further strengthen rescue capability and the emergency response systems of the two places.

     Next, Mr Tang called on the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, to brief him on the work of the HKSAR on safeguarding public security and national security, and thanked him for affirming and supporting the work of the disciplined services. Mr Xia reminded the participants to have crisis awareness and remain vigilant against potential risks, ensuring the safety of Hong Kong citizens and safeguarding national security.

     Mr Tang will continue his visit in Beijing tomorrow (April 26).

Ends/Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Issued at HKT 22:51

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