The Hong Kong government on Friday announced the establishment of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, a top-level body that operates under the auspices of the new national security law for Hong Kong promulgated this week. 

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor also appointed Edwina Lau Chi-wai, deputy commissioner of the Hong Kong Police Force, to lead a related department within the force that is responsible for safeguarding national security.

The Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which came into force on June 30, requires the creation of a national security committee, under the chairmanship of the SAR’s chief executive. Other members of the committee include the city’s second-highest ranking government official – the chief secretary for administration – and other officials, including the financial secretary, the secretary for justice, the secretary for security and the commissioner of police.

A spokesperson for the HKSAR government said the first meeting of the Committee on Safeguarding National Security will be held soon

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According to the new law, the committee is tasked with analyzing and assessing developments in relation to safeguarding national security, making work plans and formulating relevant policies. It is also responsible for coordinating major work and significant operations for safeguarding national security as well as advancing the development of the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security. 

Commenting on Lau’s appointment to the new police force department, Lam said Lau has shown outstanding leadership and professionalism during her more than 35 years of service and expressed her confidence in Lau to take on such an important responsibility at a critical time.

The chief executive also designated six Hong Kong magistrates to serve as judges in national security law cases.

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A spokesperson for the HKSAR government said the first meeting of the Committee on Safeguarding National Security will be held soon.