Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, also reminded Hongkongers to remain vigilant for national security threats and be adequately prepared for risks arising from current political tensions, which he said could affect the city.
“Security at one point in time does not mean permanent security. Current safety also does not guarantee future security,” the senior official said in a video address at the opening ceremony of National Security Education Day on Wednesday.
Xia argued that people with “ulterior motives” had politicised last November’s deadly Tai Po fire, in which 168 people died, to stir up social unrest. He called for constant vigilance against national security threats, including those posed by foreign forces.
“We should be aware of the risks brought by geopolitics. Nowadays, geopolitical conflicts occur frequently and abruptly, which might bring certain impacts on Hong Kong,” he said.
“[We] need to be adequately prepared in firmly defending the interests of Hong Kong and its residents, while the motherland will always be the strong backing for the city.”
