In an RTHK interview marking the 28th anniversary of the SAR’s establishment, the minister said protecting national security is the government’s top priority, as this is essential for economic development and ensuring people’s livelihoods.
Chan said the John Lee administration has put in much effort in promoting patriotism, and has achieved great results.
In particular, he said young people have been able to learn more about the country, and it’s becoming second nature to them to safeguard national security.
“Number one, you must know more about the country. You can’t talk about patriotism if you don’t even know what’s going on, right?” Chan said.
“Then you need to have a national identity – that the country’s doing things well and making the Chinese people proud.”
“And once you achieve these things, you don’t need to be taught to safeguard national security, you’ll do so of your own accord. Just like if you love your home, you know you have to protect it.”
The Chief Secretary also said the country is coming under attack from western countries led by the United States, in part because they’re envious of China’s many successes, such as in sports, car manufacturing and space endeavours.
“In major sporting tournaments in the past, our national team won a lot of medals –gold medals. When the athletes come visit Hong Kong, locals support them with a frenzy” the minister said.
“The people recognise the country’s great success in sports, and that’s led to jealousy from the US and the West, or perhaps they’re worried about the impact from our nation’s strength – that’s why they’d caused so much trouble.”
The upcoming National Games – which the SAR will co-host with Macau and Guangdong for the first time – will take place in November, which coincides with the campaigning period for the Legislative Council election in December.
Chan said officials will run massive promotional campaigns calling on people to vote, and he doesn’t think the election would take a back seat to the Games as the public should have no problem paying attention to both matters.
