China News Agency, Hong Kong, February 8th. The Secretary for Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Deng Bingqiang, said on the 8th that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is actively promoting the local legislation of Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law, and expects to start the relevant consultation work before the end of the current Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government. The draft will be submitted to the Legislative Council for deliberation by the end of the year.

  On the same day, Tang Bingqiang attended a video conference of the Legislative Council Security Panel and made the above remarks in his opening speech.

  Tang Bingqiang said that the SAR government will make reference to local past research, overseas experience, the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and court rulings, and formulate effective and pragmatic plans based on the actual situation, and actively promote the local legislative work of Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law to buy time. Fulfill our constitutional responsibilities under the Basic Law of Hong Kong as soon as possible.

  He emphasized that acts and activities endangering national security are very serious crimes, and the SAR government must prevent, stop and punish them in accordance with the law.

The law enforcement work to safeguard national security in the past has greatly reduced the national security risk faced by Hong Kong.

However, there are still many criminals who "relentlessly" want to endanger national security, and the SAR government will definitely pursue them in accordance with the law.

  Deng Bingqiang also mentioned that in the face of the threat of local terrorism, the SAR government will continue to be highly vigilant against "lone wolf" terrorist attacks and "Hong Kong independence" elements advocating, infiltrating and inciting terrorist activities through soft confrontation.

The Inter-departmental Counter-Terrorism Task Force will strengthen its response capabilities, enforce the law decisively, and strengthen counter-terrorism education and publicity to ensure the security of the country and Hong Kong.

  In addition, he also said that it is necessary for the SAR government to strengthen network security and ensure a safe business environment. Preparations will be made for legislation to establish the network security responsibilities of critical information infrastructure operators. The goal is to launch a public consultation within this year.

The SAR Government will also focus on cultivating positive thinking and law-abiding awareness among young people.

(Finish)