The following is issued on behalf of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:
 
     April 15, 2026 (Wednesday) is National Security Education Day. The Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) (the Hong Kong National Security Committee) will hold the opening ceremony and seminar of National Security Education Day at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre that morning.
      
    The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, will attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote speech via video link. The Chief Executive of the HKSAR and Chairman of the Hong Kong National Security Committee, Mr John Lee, extends his very warm welcome and expresses sincere gratitude to Director Xia Baolong for his ongoing guidance, care and support for Hong Kong.
 
     Mr Lee said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and represents a critical year for Hong Kong as it advances from stability towards prosperity. The fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress approved the 'Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan', making top-level design and strategic plans for our country's economic and social development for the next five years. Hong Kong will proactively align with the 15th Five-Year Plan. We are formulating at full steam Hong Kong's first five-year plan to provide clear guidance for Hong Kong's future economic, social and livelihood development, and drive Hong Kong's better integration into and service of the overall national development.
      
     "On February 10 this year, the State Council Information Office released the white paper on 'Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems', which comprehensively reviews Hong Kong's endeavours in safeguarding national security and the experience and insights gained in the process. 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. 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.
      
     "The Hong Kong National Security Committee organises the opening ceremony and seminar for National Security Education Day, and co-ordinates a series of school and community activities that help to enhance the whole community's awareness of and sense of responsibility in safeguarding national security, and to encourage all citizens to do the same on their own accord."

Ends/Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:00

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