Hong Kong must remain vigilant for national security threats that can ‘spread like viruses’, city leader John Lee warns

Threat from hostile forces will continue, Chief Executive John Lee warns in speech delivered at opening ceremony of National Security Education Day

Lee also pledges to grow the economy through ‘five efforts’ including pursuing results with proactive government approach

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Chief Executive John Lee says his administration will focus on boosting the economy and improving people’s livelihoods. Photo: Eugene Lee

Published: 7:48pm, 15 Apr 2024Updated: 10:20am, 16 Apr 2024

Hong Kong must remain vigilant to external risks even though the domestic national security legislation has been enacted, the city’s leader has said, warning that threats may emerge suddenly behind one’s back and spread like viruses.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Monday also vowed to enhance intelligence-gathering capabilities and national security education as part of the government’s continuing efforts to implement the legislation that came into effect last month.

Lee also pledged “five efforts” to grow the economy: to pursue results with a proactive government approach; to seize on technological opportunities arising from mainland China’s “new productive force”; to build up the talent pool; to capitalise on the city’s unique advantage of linking the country with the world; and to promote local consumption.

Lee warned about threats in a keynote address he delivered at the opening ceremony of National Security Education Day. The event was the first held after the city passed and enacted the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, mandated by Article 23 of the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini-constitution.

The chief executive argued the city should maintain vigilance over national security risks, pointing to their “sudden” and “persistent” nature.

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