In a speech at yesterday’s opening ceremony of an exhibition on national security education, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Director Zheng Xincong said that when it comes to safeguarding national security, all sectors of society in “One Country” should take responsibility for safeguarding national security, and that there is no distinction in approach towards national security between the “Two Systems”.

Zheng, also the National Security Affairs Adviser of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the MSAR, noted that this year marks the 10^th anniversary of the whole country’s holistic approach to national security. 

He noted that over the past decade, guided by the concept of overall national security, China has comprehensively reshaped its political system, legal framework, strategic system, and policy system for national security, effectively safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, security and development interests.

Zheng lists 4 key points 

In the continued development of holistic national security, Zheng emphasised four key points. 

Firstly, it is crucial to be prepared for potential dangers and proactively enhance the legal system for safeguarding national security in Macau. This includes strengthening enforcement mechanisms, particularly in law enforcement and judicial capabilities, to effectively prevent and mitigate risks. Zheng also highlighted the significance of governing cyberspace lawfully to prevent the infiltration and proliferation of erroneous trends.

Secondly, it is essential to fully implement the fundamental principle of “patriots governing Macau.” Zheng underlined that the success of this principle relies on providing ample opportunities for Macau’s youth in education, employment, entrepreneurship, and upward mobility. By doing so, the core values of patriotism and love for Macau can be instilled and passed down through generations.

Thirdly, Zheng noted the importance of adopting a people-centred approach and promoting economic development while improving people’s livelihoods. He highlighted the significance of the “One Centre, One Platform, One Base” initiative and pointed out the need to accelerate the development of the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. This approach aims to create a favourable environment for economic growth and enhance the well-being of the people, Zheng said.

The government’s “One Centre, One Platform and One Base” policy refers to its determination to further develop Macau’s role as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure and an economic and trade cooperation platform for China and Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as a cultural exchange and cooperation base.

Fourthly, Zheng pointed out that Macau should leverage its unique advantages and play a crucial role in China’s overall modernisation efforts. Zheng highlighted the upcoming 6^th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries in Macau, underlining the importance of hosting the three-day event. He also stressed the need for Macau to actively participate in the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Greater Bay Area (GBA), promoting regional cooperation and contributing to China’s broader development goals.

Ho vows to safeguard national security

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng stressed in his speech that under the leadership of the central government, Macau has further strengthened its legal framework, system, and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security in the Macau Special Administrative Region, further implementing the principle of “patriots governing Macau” and also fortified the region’s defence line of national security.

Ho underlined that this year’s exhibition on national security education aims to show local residents the profound connotations and significant meaning of the holistic national security concept, as well as offer them a comprehensive understanding of the complexity and severity of the national security situation, and the challenges and opportunities faced by the nation in the current era.

Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Vice Chairman Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Foreign Ministry Commissioner Liu Xianfa and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Macau Garrison Political Commissar Lin Qinghua attended the ceremony. Edmund Ho was Macau’s first chief executive from 1999 to 2009.

April 15 marks annual National Security Education Day. Yesterday was the country’s ninth edition of the event.

Themed “General Perspective of National Security, a Decade Guided by Innovation,” the exhibition comprises five sections: “New Achievements in National Development, Embarking on a New Journey of Rejuvenation,” “Comprehensively Shaping High-level Security, Steadily Promoting High-quality Development,” “Implementing the Holistic National Security Concept, Effectively Safeguarding Security in All Fields,” “Grasping the New Opportunities of National Development, Creating a New Era of Prosperity in Macau,” and “Promoting Patriotism and Love for Macau, Sharing Responsibility for National Security.” The exhibition features texts, videos and over 260 still images, as well as multiple videos to convey its message. 

The exhibition, which takes place until May 15 at the Macau Forum in Zape, is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information about the exhibition, visit https://eesn.gov.mo. 

Foreign Ministry Commissioner Liu Xianfa (from left to right), Chinese People’s CPPCC National Committee Vice Chairman Edmund Ho Hau Wah, MSAR Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the MSAR Director Zheng Xincong and PLA Garrison Political Commissar Lin Qinghua pose at the exhibition on national security education at Macau Forum in Zape yesterday. – Photo: William Chan