HKers urged to guard against 'soft resistance' ahead of National Security Education Day

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung urged the public to guard against "soft resistance" tactics undermining national security as Hong Kong prepares for the 10th National Security Education Day on April 15.

In an interview with Sing Tao Daily, The Standard’s sister newspaper, Tang emphasized that while the implementation of the national security law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance have restored stability in Hong Kong, the city still faces threats including foreign smear campaigns, overseas-based fugitives, domestic terrorism, and "soft resistance.”

"Citizens must think critically and not be misled by the lies spread through soft resistance," Tang said, calling on residents to cherish Hong Kong’s "hard-won" stability post-2019 unrest.

Tang said a series of events has been organized to mark the National Security Education Day, including a thematic exhibition at the National Security Exhibition Gallery at the Hong Kong Museum of History, featuring robot-guided tours.

A territory-wide inter-school national security knowledge challenge is ongoing to enhance recognition of national security among primary and secondary students.

Educational comics and animations featuring characters “Andy” and “Security Bear” produced by the bureau were also launched to illustrate national security concepts, he said.

A flag-raising ceremony, seminars, and the challenge finals will follow on April 15, with more activities planned for the fifth anniversary of the national security law in June.

Tang criticized Hans Yeung Wing-yu, a former Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority history manager, for allegedly exploiting a student’s suicide during a mainland exchange to incite anti-government sentiment. 

Yeung, who fled to the United Kingdom, had previously sparked outrage with an exam question framing Japan’s 1900-45 invasion of China (1900-45) had "more benefits than harms."

"He is anti-China, humiliates the nation, and panders to Japan -- his actions endanger national security," Tang said. 

He also accused Chung Kim-wah, ex-deputy head of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute, and commentator Stephen Shiu Yeuk-yuen of similar tactics.

Tang warned that external forces continue smearing Hong Kong, while fugitives push for sanctions and independence abroad. Domestic terrorism remains a concern, he noted, citing the "Dragon Slaying Brigade" case.

Despite the challenges, Tang said Hong Kong is "generally stable" but must stay alert due to geopolitical tensions.

Authorities will enhance intelligence-gathering, amend laws, such as updating the Social Workers Registration Ordinance, and boost public education.

Tang said the police's National Security Department reporting hotline has received nearly 900,000 tips since its launch in 2020, reflecting public engagement.

Crime prevention remains a priority, Tang added, with scams making up half of last year’s 90,000-plus reported crimes.

(Ayra Wang)