The Civil Service College (CSC) of the Civil Service Bureau held a seminar on "The Prospects and Implications of Major Changes in the Middle East" today (July 22) as part of its "Holistic Approach to National Security" seminar series. The seminar was delivered by the Director of the Institute of Middle East Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, Dr Liao Baizhi. 

     During the seminar, Dr Liao explored geopolitical developments in the Middle East and the significant implications of the situation in Iran on China, its relations with the Middle East, and the global landscape. The seminar enabled civil servants to holistically understand the impacts of international situation on national security.

     Addressing the seminar, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, stated that geopolitics in the Middle East has impacts on the global political landscape, economic stability and supply-chain security. She emphasised that civil servants must pay attention to changes in the Middle East situation and assess the relevant risks, so as to effectively safeguard national security and long-term development interests while promoting the country's Belt and Road Initiative.

     Around 300 officers of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, including politically appointed officials and middle- and senior-level civil servants, attended the seminar today, with some participants joining via video-conferencing. 

     Launched in 2023, the series provides a comprehensive understanding of the Holistic Approach to National Security, analyses the latest national security landscape under the context of great power rivalry, and addresses the challenges faced by the country in maintaining national security, to enhance civil servants' awareness of consciously safeguarding national security. The seminars are delivered by experts from China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations and the Center for a Holistic Approach to National Security.  

Ends/Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:09

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