Xia Baolong, the nation’s top official overseeing Hong Kong and Macao affairs, will attend the opening ceremony of National Security Education Day celebrations in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region via video link on Wednesday.

He will deliver the keynote speech during the event organized by the Hong Kong National Security Committee at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who is also the chairman of the Hong Kong National Security Committee, expressed his sincere gratitude on Tuesday to Xia – director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council – for his guidance, care and support for the HKSAR.

"This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and represents a critical year for Hong Kong as it advances from stability towards prosperity,” said the CE.

Referring to a white paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”, issued by the State Council Information Office in February, he said, “The white paper states clearly that the central government bears the fundamental responsibility for affairs concerning national security in Hong Kong, while the HKSAR shoulders the constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security."

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“We must adhere to a holistic approach to national security as its guiding principle, grasp the practical requirements of safeguarding national security under the framework of 'one country, two systems', and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests."

The Hong Kong National Security Committee has organized the celebrations, which include a seminar and a series of school and community activities, to enhance the whole community's awareness and sense of responsibility in safeguarding national security, added the CE.