John Lee appeals to Hong Kong’s media to promote need for national security and combat ‘smears and attacks’ from Western news organisations

City leader tells Hong Kong Federation of Journalists they should deepen public understanding of Chinese history, culture and current affairs

Lee also announces alliance based in Greater Bay Area to promote exchanges among media professionals

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Chief Executive John Lee talks to the Hong Kong Federation of Journalistts and asks the profession to promote national security. Photo: Handout

Published: 9:50pm, 17 Jan 2024Updated: 4:34am, 18 Jan 2024

Hong Kong’s media should highlight China’s national development, tell stories about the city’s unique edge and combat “smears and attacks” from Western news organisations, the city’s leader has said.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Wednesday appealed to the city’s journalists to promote the need to safeguard national security and deepen Hongkongers’ understanding of China’s history, culture and current affairs.

“This will help build awareness of safeguarding national security, strengthen the recognition of national identity, and enhance national confidence,” he said in a speech to the Hong Kong Federation of Journalists.

He also announced the launch of a media alliance based in the Greater Bay Area to promote exchanges among professionals from Macau, Hong Kong and Guangdong province.

Chief Executive John Lee (front row, centre) lines up with guests at a reception for the Hong Kong Federation of Journalists on Wednesday. Photo: Handout

The Greater Bay Area is mainland China’s plan to link Hong Kong, Macau and nine mainland cities together to create a global economic powerhouse.