The following is issued on behalf of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:
The National Security Exhibition Gallery, organised by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the National Security Committee) and supported by the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) and the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS), was inaugurated at the Hong Kong Museum of History today (August 6). Officiating guests attending the opening ceremony were the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Chairman of the National Security Committee, Mr John Lee; Director of LOCPG and National Security Advisor of the National Security Committee, Mr Zheng Yanxiong; Head of OSNS, Mr Dong Jingwei; and Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Cui Jianchun.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Lee said that last year’s Policy Address mentioned setting up a National Security Exhibition Gallery to raise public awareness of the importance of safeguarding national security and to promote national security education in the community. He expressed gratitude to the various ministries and commissions of the Central Authorities and offices of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong for their unwavering support. He hoped that through arranging visits to the National Security Exhibition Gallery, various sectors of the SAR would better promote national security education, and strengthen the public’s sense of and commitment to safeguarding national security proactively.
Mr Lee said, “Safeguarding national security is a continuous endeavour with no end point. Faced with ever-changing international situations, frequent regional conflicts, and external forces’ containment and suppression, we must stay alert to potential risks and adopt extreme-scenario thinking. We must co-ordinate development and security. With the new security architecture, we will be able to better safeguard China’s new pattern of development. By fully and accurately implementing the principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, and deeply integrating into China’s overall development, we can contribute to the comprehensive construction of a strong, modernised China and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
In his speech, Director Zheng pointed out, “Having gone through the transition from chaos to stability, the HKSAR is now marching valiantly on the bright road from stability to prosperity. It is precisely at times like these that we cannot overlook national security.
“We pursue a peaceful and comfortable life, but we must constantly remind everyone to stay vigilant and uphold the rule of law at all times. I firmly believe that the opening of the National Security Exhibition Gallery will further unite the consensus around ‘Security Brings Prosperity’, further nurture the foundation for safeguarding national security, and further consolidate people’s strength to create a better life together.”
In his speech, Director Dong said, “Establishing the National Security Exhibition Gallery as a regular publicity and education base is an iconic and significant milestone. It is an important platform for elaborating a holistic approach to national security.
“I hope the entire society will take this opening of the National Security Exhibition Gallery as an opportunity to care about, support, and participate in national security, and think, shoulder responsibility and safeguard together, as well as contribute to Hong Kong’s long-term security and prosperity!”
Commissioner Cui said in his speech, “The establishment of the National Security Exhibition Gallery is a pragmatic measure by the HKSAR Government to proactively implement ‘a holistic approach to national security’, fulfill the requirements under the Hong Kong National Security Law, and carry out in-depth national security education. It is so meaningful to provide an important avenue for Hong Kong residents, especially youth, to understand national security.”
The National Security Exhibition Gallery is the first thematic gallery in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region dedicated to systematic promotion of national security education. Located on the second floor of the Hong Kong Museum of History, Tsim Sha Tsui, with an area of more than 1 100 square metres, the Gallery will be open to the public free of charge starting from August 7. It is divided into six zones, including a theatre showing a short video that allows viewers to review the modern history of China and understand the importance of national security. It also introduces the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the design of the national symbols and signs, the 20 security fields of “a holistic approach to national security”, “One Country, Two Systems”, and the laws on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, etc. The Gallery also features a three-dimensional theatre, various interactive games, and animations to increase interest and deepen visitors’ understanding of national security.
The Gallery displays many unique, authoritative and officially approved exhibits. Highlights include precious lunar soil on loan from the China National Space Administration; the national flag flying in Tiananmen Square on June 30, 2020, the day the Hong Kong National Security Law was promulgated and took effect, presented by the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality; a 1:1 scale replica of the oil painting, “the Founding Ceremony of the People’s Republic of China”, gifted by the National Museum of China and exhibited for the first time outside the Mainland; samples of the first RMB banknotes issued by the People’s Bank of China; as well as a 6-metre-tall, 1:9 model of the Long March-5B carrier rocket on display in Hong Kong for the first time.
After the opening ceremony, the organiser specially invited over 40 primary two and three students to be the first to experience the exhibition. The students followed the docents’ lead, exploring various exhibition zones and immersing themselves in the rich displays. They were eager to learn more and tried out various interactive installations. From their attentive and excited reactions, it was clear that the Gallery provided the students with a meaningful and engaging learning experience about national security.
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