Training Programme on the Constitution, the Basic Law and Hong Kong National Security Education

Programme Description

The training programme on the Constitution, the Basic Law and Hong Kong National Security Education (the Training Programme) is one of the core training programmes that newly-joined teachers (NJTs) must complete within the first three years of service, which falls under Category 1 of the core training, namely “Teachers’ Professional Roles, Values and Conduct”. The Training Programme aims to enhance NJTs’ understanding of the Constitution, the Basic Law and Hong Kong National Security Education. Prominent guest speakers from Hong Kong’s legal and political fields will be invited to share their insights. The content of the Training Programme includes the relationship between the Constitution and the Basic Law, the historical background of the Basic Law’s formulation, the importance of enacting the Hong Kong National Security Law and the National Security Ordinance, and clarification of some of the misinterpretations about the Basic Law.

Programme Highlights

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Mrs Rita FAN HSU Lai-tai, the former Member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the former President of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Member of the Management Committee of the Endeavour Education Centre Limited, delivered the programme

In the first session, Mrs Rita FAN delivered a lecture titled “The Relationship Between the Constitution, ‘One Country, Two Systems,’ and the Basic Law of Hong Kong”. She provided participants with an in-depth explanation of the legal status of the Constitution, the constitutional status and foundation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), as well as the effectiveness of implementing the “One Country, Two Systems” principle. Her aim was to help participants gain a clearer understanding of the national constitutional framework and Hong Kong’s legal relationship within it. The second session focused on the theme of “National Security and Its Relevance to Us”, Mrs FAN elaborated on the definition of national security, the relevant laws and regulations in the HKSAR for safeguarding national security, and offered a comparative analysis between the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance with national security laws in Western countries. This helped deepen participants’ understanding of the concept of national security and Hong Kong’s legal responsibilities and institutional arrangements in maintaining it.

◆	Ms Miriam LAU Kin-yee, the former HKSAR Deputy of the National People’s Congress, delivered the Programme

In the first session, Ms Miriam LAU delivered a lecture titled “One Country, Two Systems, the Constitution and the Basic Law, and National Security Education”. She provided participants with a thorough explanation of the fundamental concepts of the Constitution, the historical background and key features of the Basic Law, and elaborated on the Central Government’s firm support and institutional safeguards for the “One Country, Two Systems” policy. Her aim was to strengthen participants’ understanding of the national constitutional framework and the legal status of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). In the second session, Ms LAU focused on the theme of “National Security Education”. She systematically introduced the definition and importance of national security, and explained the main provisions and legal effectiveness of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Furthermore, she emphasized the responsibility and mission of schools in promoting national security education, expressing the hope that participants would help deepen young people’s understanding of national security and their awareness of the rule of law through education.

◆	Ms Elsie LEUNG Oi-sie, the former Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee under the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the first Secretary for Justice of HKSAR, Member of the Management Committee of the Endeavour Education Centre Limited, delivered the programme

In the first session, Ms Elsie LEUNG delivered a lecture titled “Hong Kong’s Status within the National Constitutional Framework”. She provided participants with an in-depth explanation of the legal status of the Constitution, the fundamental concept of “One Country, Two Systems,” and the organic relationship between “One Country” and “Two Systems”. Her aim was to help participants understand the role and positioning of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region within the framework of national constitutional structure. In the second session, Ms LEUNG focused on the theme of “How Hong Kong Safeguards National Security”. She systematically introduced China’s national security legal framework and the five essential elements of the “Holistic Approach to National Security”. She elaborated on Hong Kong’s constitutional responsibility in safeguarding national security and provided a detailed analysis of the legislative background and significance of the Hong Kong National Security Law, emphasizing Hong Kong’s critical role within the national security system.

◆	Mr Ian Grenville CROSS, Senior Counsel and Mr Vernon LOH, Senior Assistant Solicitor General of the Department of Justice, delivered the programme

In the first session, Mr Vernon LOH delivered a lecture titled “The Relationship Between the Constitution, the Basic Law, and the Hong Kong National Security Law”. He provided participants with an in-depth explanation of the legal status of China’s Constitution, the structural design and functions of the Basic Law, and the legislative intent and core provisions of the Hong Kong National Security Law. He also elaborated on the constitutional responsibility of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in safeguarding national security, helping participants deepen their understanding of the legal interconnections among the three instruments. The second session was led by Mr Grenville CROSS, who spoke on the topic “The Responsibility for National Security and the Hong Kong National Security Law”. Mr CROSS gave a detailed overview of the legislative background, structural framework, and key provisions of the Hong Kong National Security Law. He also explained Hong Kong’s legal obligations and practical arrangements within the national security system, enabling participants to better grasp the law’s application and its broader societal significance.