Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung gives an exclusive interview to China Daily on Friday. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
Hong Kong must remain on high alert to deal with emerging national security threats and take decisive action to thwart home-grown terrorism and cyberattacks, warns Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung.
The threats to national security in the special administrative region are still grave and Hong Kong must counter the constant influence of external hostile forces, he told China Daily in an exclusive interview on Friday.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said the SAR should enact Article 23 of the Basic Law as soon as possible to outlaw more categories of serious crimes, such as treason, sedition, espionage and theft of State secrets
Local terrorism has been of great concern since the 2019 social unrest and can be in the form of lone wolf attacks or from terrorist groups. "We've to stay vigilant and there's no room for complacency," Tang said.
A case in point is a man who tried to murder a police officer on duty on July 1 before committing suicide. It was described as a "lone wolf act of domestic terrorism" following police investigations.
The police have cracked down on a radical group and seized explosives and chemicals that could be used for making bombs. Several members of the group have been arrested and charged under the National Security Law for Hong Kong with engaging in terrorist activities or conspiracy to incite other people to commit subversion.
Tang said the SAR should enact Article 23 of the Basic Law as soon as possible to outlaw more categories of serious crimes, such as treason, sedition, espionage and theft of State secrets. These crimes endanger national security but are not addressed under the National Security Law for Hong Kong.
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Since the National Security Law for Hong Kong was enforced on June 30, 2020, law and order has been restored in the city. As of March 31, the police had detained 175 people in connection with national security offenses. A total of 112 suspects have been prosecuted on charges of secession, subversion, inciting subversion, organizing and perpetrating terrorist activities, or colluding with external forces to endanger national security.
This undated file photo shows a panoramic view of the financial area in Hong Kong. (PHOTO/XINHUA)
Tang said cybersecurity threats have also become a bigger menace. "If a cyber attack were to be made on our telecommunications infrastructure or utilities system, the consequences would be far greater than causing inconveniences in daily lives. National security is at stake."
Hong Kong may launch public consultations on a proposed cyber security law this year, Tang said. The legislation is aimed at strengthening the city's defense mechanism against cyberattacks, assessing risks, formulating protocols and conducting drills to build up preparedness against such attacks.
If a cyber attack were to be made on our telecommunications infrastructure or utilities system, the consequences would be far greater than causing inconveniences in daily lives. National security is at stake.
Chris Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Security
The security chief said local and external forces would not stop their smear campaigns against Hong Kong. He referred to the recent resignations of two British judges from Hong Kong's top court as non-permanent judges. It's widely believed the two judges resigned under political pressure from anti-China British politicians.
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Five other British judges serving in the SAR's top court said later they will stay on and expressed confidence in the city's judicial independence.
Tang said the case shows that hostile foreign forces are constantly on the offensive, making false accusations against Hong Kong to smear its National Security Law and vilify the government.
He stressed it's imperative to tell the truth about Hong Kong on the international stage and to raise public awareness of such smearing campaigns. To mark the annual National Security Education Day on Friday, the Security Bureau will organize various events, including flag-raising ceremonies and an online exhibition on the National Security Law for Hong Kong.
In this June 29, 2021 photo, a taxi travels on a street decorated with the national flags and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flags in Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
The Security Bureau is also working with the Education Bureau in holding national security-themed competitions to help young people learn more about national security and develop a stronger sense of affinity for the country
The Security Bureau is also working with the Education Bureau in holding national security-themed competitions to help young people learn more about national security and develop a stronger sense of affinity for the country.
Tang said reaching out to youths is important. Hong Kong's six disciplinary forces, including the police force and Fire Services Department, have long-standing programs to provide young people with training in leadership and problem-solving skills.
READ MORE: National Security Law for Hong Kong brings stability and hope to youths
For young offenders, especially those arrested or convicted in connection with the violent protests in 2019, such programs will help in their rehabilitation with the participation of volunteers and family members.
The goal is to help young people develop a positive mindset and a patriotic spirit, Tang said.
oasishu@chinadailyhk.com