Carrie Lam, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Luo Huining, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, and Yang Yirui, acting commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR, attended a ceremony on Thursday for unveiling National Security Education Day and delivered speeches.

Speaking at the ceremony, Luo said the event represents a significant effort made by the SAR to fulfill its constitutional obligation of safeguarding national security.

Luo hailed the decision to improve the SAR's electoral system last month, saying it plugged systemic loopholes that have been exploited by anti-China, destabilizing activists to infiltrate into the SAR's governing structures.

Luo viewed national security as a matter of strategic importance for the country while reiterated central government will remain committed to the paramount responsibility of safeguarding national security.

He called the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" as the root that "must run deep and strong," and stressed that any act endangering national security as well as Hong Kong's prosperity and stability will be dealt with swiftly and effectively.

"Development is predicated on national security," noted Luo, adding it is imperative for the SAR to earnestly discharge its constitutional obligation for safeguarding national security.

The Chinese official further pointed out that national security in the SAR is also closely related to people's livelihoods. He called on all Hong Kong compatriots to fulfill their legal obligations of safeguarding national security so as to maintain the long-term prosperity and stability in the SAR.

This year's marks China's sixth National Security Education Day, and it is also the first in the HKSAR since the highly anticipated national security law for the region took effect last June. The theme of this year's day is "Uphold National Security, Safeguard Our Home – Improve Electoral System, Ensure Patriots Administering Hong Kong."

(Cover: Carrie Lam (L), chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and Luo Huining, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong, attend a ceremony for unveiling National Security Education Day, in Hong Kong, China, April 15, 2021. /HKSAR government)