To celebrate the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the 5th anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, multiple celebratory activities were held across various districts in Hong Kong, including parade performances, music galas, and game booths. 

The National Security Department also deployed the NSpeed Promotional Truck to different districts such as Sham Shui Po to promote knowledge about national security. 

The vehicle was equipped with a camera for residents to take photos on the spot and distributed souvenirs, attracting many residents and families to join. 

When asked about their proudest moment after the handover, resident Man believed it was witnessing Chinese going into space. He hoped for future prosperity and stability in mainland China and Hong Kong. “May the country continue to prosper, and may Hong Kong continue to do well,” Wu said, adding that his proudest moment after the handover was that Hong Kong finally became a part of China again. 

Ten-year-old twin brothers said that their deepest impression of the handover period was the mega infrastructure projects, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the opening of the West Kowloon High-Speed Rail, which made it more convenient for Hong Kong residents to travel north. 

Diverse Celebratory Activities; Cultivating National Concepts in Young People

One of the celebration events was held earlier at the Tsim Sha Tsui District Kaifong Welfare Association Hall. The event included national security seminars, booth games, national security exhibitions, and cultural performances to promote patriotism, love for Hong Kong, and national security education to the public. 

The souvenirs distributed also featured Chinese characteristics, and many people scrambled to take photos with the giant panda mascot arranged by the organizer. 

Former Legislative Council President Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, who attended the event, shared the significance of conducting national security education in schools with the participants. 

He stated that the future development of both Hong Kong and the country relies on the younger generation. It is necessary to cultivate them into talents and, at the same time, help young people “cultivate virtue and benevolence,” teaching them to establish sentiments for their home and country. 

A solid foundation must be built regarding national identity and ethnic sentiments, and they must be taught to be law-abiding and consciously safeguard national security.

Yau Tsim Mong District Councilor and President of the Yau Tsim Mong Federation of Association Benny Yeung Tsz-hei, who helped organize the event, emphasized that only with national security can there be family security; otherwise, life would be very difficult. He hoped that the country would be prosperous and strong, and everyone could coexist peacefully. 

The Charm of the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ Remains Unabated; National Security Law Helps Hong Kong ‘Lock the Door’ Securely 

Lawmaker Starry Lee Wai-king said that her proudest moment after the handover is that Hong Kong, under the institutional advantages of “one country, two systems,” still maintains the charm of the Pearl of the Orient. 

She pointed out that as the country’s international financial center, Hong Kong is expected to become the world’s largest fundraising market this year, which is precisely due to the support of the country.

Regarding the 5th anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, she recalled the turmoil brought by the 2019 social unrest, noting that people must now cherish the hard-earned stability. 

Lee added that after the introduction of the National Security Law, it successfully stopped violence and curbed chaos, allowing Hong Kong to return to a stable environment and enter a new stage of moving from stability to prosperity. 

In addition, there was also the constitutional responsibility to complete the Article 23 legislation. She described the two laws as “locking the door” against Hong Kong’s national security loopholes, putting the SAR government, society, and the central government at ease so that efforts can subsequently be concentrated on developing the economy and improving people’s livelihoods. 

She further pointed out that as the international situation is complex, risks at the national security level are multifaceted and volatile, covering various aspects such as data, economy, and finance. Therefore, it is necessary to raise awareness, and she suggested that national security education should continue to be popularized in the future.