What does national security, a term we often hear, actually mean?

National security is a status in which the state power, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, people’s welfare, sustainable economic and social development, and other major interests of the state are not in danger, 

nor threatened internally or externally, and a status in which the country has the capability to maintain a sustained security.

You might associate national security with war, and may not think it has anything to do with yourself.

But in fact, national security is no longer limited simplyto “defend the country against aggressions”. 

It has been broadened to include the economy, society,ecological environment, and cyberspace. 

It is closely related to our everyday life.

National security covers a extensive range of 16 fields. 

The major fields include the political, territorial and military security…and also the security of the economy, culture, society, 

science and technology, cyberspace, ecology, resources, nuclear, and overseas interests.

In addition, national security also covers several new fields, such as biological, space, deep-sea, and polar security.

China has sent astronauts into space, while Chinese scientists have conducted polar and deep-sea explorations and studies. China has vigorously strengthened international cooperation. 

All of these fields are closely related to national security.

 

Hong Kong is an inalienable part of the country and a special administrative region directly under the Central People’s Government with a high degree of autonomy. 

The enactment of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong safeguards and defends the country’s sovereignty, security and development interests, and at the same time, makes Hong Kong a safer and more stable city.

 

To improve awareness of national security among the public, while safeguarding national security, every April 15 is designated ‘National Security Education Day’.

Responsibility for National Security is not solely restricted to state organs or any particular government department, but is the common responsibility of each and every citizen, and every family. 

To safeguard national security, we must abide by the law, and follow the constitution, laws and regulations, and provisions relating to national security.