Uphold China’s national security and development interests, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam tells city in National Day speech

Speaking before 4,000 business heavyweights and local politicians, she also thanks Beijing for supporting her administration’s work in policy areas ranging from youth to tourism

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The National Day reception held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Published: 1:58pm, 1 Oct 2018Updated: 8:44pm, 1 Oct 2018

Hong Kong must not forget its mission of upholding China’s national “sovereignty, security and development interests”, the city’s top official said on Monday, as it “develops and shares prosperity” with the country.

Addressing about 4,000 business leaders and local politicians at an annual National Day reception, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor also thanked Beijing for supporting her administration’s work in policy areas such as youth, regional integration, innovation and technology, and trade and commerce.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor called National Day this year particularly meaningful this year. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Lam’s speech came a week after the city’s security minister made the unprecedented decision to ban the pro-independence Hong Kong National Party.

The chief executive did not touch on the issue of separatism. But in her nine-minute speech, Lam said Beijing’s support in recent years had “created new areas of growth” for Hong Kong’s economy, opened up an even larger market for professional services, and provided more opportunities for local young people to “pursue their careers”.

Lam mentioned the “one country, two systems” under which Hong Kong enjoys significant autonomy from Beijing. Alluding to President Xi Jinping’s speech in the city on July 1 last year, she likened the concept of one country to the roots of a tree.