Tense atmosphere as Hong Kong prepares to mark 24th anniversary of return to Chinese sovereignty
- Traditional July 1 rallies banned by police citing pandemic restrictions while authorities have also warned people against taking part in illegal gatherings
- City also celebrates 100th anniversary of founding of Chinese Communist Party on Thursday
The Security Bureau on Wednesday issued a statement warning against unauthorised gatherings and “the risk of local terrorism” – referring to the arrests a day earlier of two men in connection with the seizure of bomb-making materials – while also noting that violent crimes had dropped sharply because of the national security law.
In an interview with state broadcaster CCTV, newly promoted Chief Secretary John Lee Ka-chiu said the law had helped Hong Kong to restore peace, but called for continued vigilance.
“External forces are still waiting for chances to cause trouble, especially when many countries want to attack our nation when it is getting strong peacefully,” he said. “We need to be proactive in promoting national security education, and I am very optimistic about this.”