Treasure HK's Progress Toward Prosperity: Xia Baolong

Beijing's top official overseeing Hong Kong affairs, Xia Baolong on Saturday said the city's progress toward prosperity and stability should be treasured, adding that safeguarding national security is everyone's responsibility and does not contradict the freedom to express demands.

He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the National Security Education Day at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.

"Hong Kong is going on a new stage in the transition from chaos to order, and from order to greater prosperity. This good state is extremely difficult to come by. It is the result of our joint efforts - with the full support of the central government and the contribution by ... Hong Kong people who have worked hard - and paid a great price for it," he said.

Xia underlined the importance of social stability and rule of law, saying that Hongkongers should spare no efforts to contribute and safeguard the city and national security.

"This is a responsibility of every person in Hong Kong. There is no outsider in this. Every one of us should participate in this," he said.

He said people with ulterior motives would use every possible way to sabotage the SAR, urging the city to remain vigilant and not give the enemy any opportunities to take advantage.

In particular, he said anyone could pursue their dreams and live freely in the SAR, regardless of their political stance and beliefs, under the premise of abiding by the National Security Law and the Basic Law, and laws in Hong Kong.

"Maintaining national security is not contradictory to expressing interests and demands. There are many channels and ways to express them, demonstration is not the only way," he said.

Xia said from past experience, appeals such as environmental protection and livelihood are easily hijacked, and people's good intentions are easily exploited and manipulated by those with ulterior motives.

He said a society that was rife with division and confrontations "is not promising".

"Hong Kong should be inclusive. Hong Kong should find the common ground among differences. If there are any requests, we should negotiate and make compromises," he said.

"I hope Hong Kong can organise exhibitions, promote innovation and technology, boost the economy, hold horse races, dance, invest in the stock market, and make money every day," he added.

In concluding his half-hour address, Xia said he was fully confident that the SAR, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and the central government, would have a prosperous future.