Opinion | Promoting national security as a youth mission

By Felix Wu Man Hin

National security is a crucial cornerstone for the prosperity of a country, and the stability of its people is the most fundamental and common aspiration and demand. Whether they are local residents or friends from overseas, ensuring the protection of people's lives, properties, and livelihood stability is their basic expectation from the government and the country. As early as 1987, Deng Xiaoping emphasized the Central Authorities' responsibility to address any events in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) that jeopardized the fundamental interests of both the country and Hong Kong. During the Black Riot, rioters forcefully entered the Legislative Council Building, causing damage to the symbolic national and SAR emblems. Many members of the public who spoke out for justice and resisted the rioters' behavior were subjected to intense violence, including burning and physical assault. It is imperative that we never forget these events.

With the support of the Central Authorities, the Hong Kong National Security Law has been promulgated and implemented, ending the history of unprotected national security in Hong Kong. Additionally, improvements to the electoral system have addressed the loophole that allowed anti-China and anti-subversive elements to enter the governance structure of the SAR through elections. Furthermore, legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law has been enacted, effectively closing the national security loophole that existed for over two decades. By fulfilling this major constitutional responsibility, Hong Kong has the opportunity to attract capital and talent from around the world, as regions with greater social stability are prioritized. The enactment of Article 23 legislation can help dispel the negative image that has plagued Hong Kong since the outbreak of the 2019 protests, create a favorable environment for investment and development, enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness, and provide more career opportunities for local people, particularly young individuals. Moving forward, Hong Kong is poised to become more prosperous and stable, and the benefits of the "one country, two systems" framework will become increasingly evident, allowing Hong Kong society to focus on economic development and improving people's livelihoods.

It is important to note that national security risks cannot be eradicated overnight. Following the enactment of Article 23 legislation, the people of Hong Kong must remain vigilant even during peaceful times to prevent the resurgence of violent protests. This requires the collective effort of everyone, especially the younger generation. Students represent the future leaders of society, and it is crucial for them to develop a sense of national security from an early age. Therefore, I have collaborated with several students to promote national security in the community. Through this experience, they have gained a clearer understanding of the concept of national security and have even been able to reflect on issues such as ecological security and cultural security during our joint study tour to Hubei. I am pleased to learn that our young friends are supportive of national security and exhibit curiosity. I will continue to work with these friends to raise awareness among young people and the general public regarding national security.

This year's Policy Address highlights the government's commitment to intensifying national security education. In addition to education in schools, the government will enhance public awareness of national security through exhibitions and activities, including the National Security Education Day held today. It is not only the government's responsibility but also the responsibility of all sectors of the Hong Kong community to uphold national security and collaborate in promoting national security education. The Hong Kong University of Education has established the National Security and Legal Education Research Centre, which plans to incorporate national security and legal education into the university curriculum to enhance students' awareness and understanding of national security and related laws. I recommend that the District Council serve as a bridge and bring more professional educational resources from tertiary institutions and other organizations to the community, thereby continually optimizing and developing national security education at the grassroots level.

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