Central government officials in charge of Hong Kong affairs highlighted on Saturday the importance of strengthening the special administrative region's ability to safeguard national security, saying it is crucial for the city to seek greater development in the new stage of advancing from stability to prosperity.

Also during an event for National Security Education Day, Hong Kong officials vowed to diligently fulfill their responsibilities of safeguarding national security, guard against emerging risks in the financial and cybersecurity sectors, and further enhance residents' initiative in protecting national security.

Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, who is on a six-day visit to Hong Kong, addressed the opening ceremony for activities marking National Security Education Day, saying that national security is closely related to Hong Kong's future.

"Safeguarding national security is to uphold 'one country, two systems', promote Hong Kong's prosperity and development, protect Hong Kong's democracy and freedom, safeguard the human rights and fundamental well-being of all Hong Kong residents, and safeguard the interests of all foreign and mainland investors in the city," he said.

Xia said that although the "anti-extradition bill" riots in Hong Kong in 2019 did not achieve their aim, they served as a wake-up call for everyone and clearly demonstrated the importance of safeguarding national security.

He emphasized that ordinary residents share an obligation to the mission, as everyone will benefit from the city's stability and prosperity. Performing this duty is not contradictory to people's freedom to express themselves, and there are ways other than public processions to lodge appeals and protect interests, Xia said.

In addition, Xia slammed the continuous smears against Hong Kong from external forces since the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, saying that the city remains one of the freest economies in the world, and global investors' confidence in Hong Kong has been further boosted as the city has restored stability.

Addressing the same event, John Lee Ka-chiu, chief executive of the HKSAR, said that following Hong Kong's return to the motherland, activities endangering national security continuously escalated. Under the safeguards of the National Security Law, the city has resumed order and is in full swing to attract global investors and tourists with high-profile promotional campaigns.

He cautioned that the city must not underestimate hidden national security threats. Although the city has restored stability under the National Security Law, a handful of anti-China forces have gone underground and continue to plot disruptive activities. Amid tense international relations, overseas antagonistic forces have also repeatedly meddled in Hong Kong's affairs and defamed its reputation, Lee said.

To cope with the threats, Lee said the SAR government will further improve related mechanisms and finish local legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law as soon as possible.

Zheng Yanxiong, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR, said he hopes that Hong Kong society has learned a lesson from its past experience and will continuously strengthen its ability to safeguard national security to prevent a resurgence of political unrest.

Noting that people overseas still have many misunderstandings concerning the real situation in Hong Kong after the National Security Law's implementation, he also stressed the importance of telling the world about what really happened in Hong Kong and sharing good stories about the city.

To mark the first National Security Education Day after Hong Kong fully returned to normal life following the COVID-19 outbreak, the city planned diverse activities, some held for the first time.

A seminar was held on Saturday to highlight national security challenges and countermeasures, as well as threats to financial security and cybersecurity.

In addition, Hong Kong law enforcement personnel took part in a flag-raising ceremony, and five of their training schools were opened to the public with drill performances and displays of equipment.

A visitor surnamed Yeung, who attended activities at Hong Kong Police College, said she was impressed by the police officers' demonstration of skills. Yeung said she is confident in the police force's professionalism and feels secure because they are protecting national security.

Florence Li contributed to this story.