The Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has been established in accordance with Article 12 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Government announced today.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam, in accordance with Article 16(2) of the national security law in Hong Kong, has appointed Edwina Lau as Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security) to head the force's department for safeguarding national security.

Ms Lau took the oath of office today.

Mrs Lam said Ms Lau has served in the force for 35 years and demonstrated distinguished leadership, professionalism and perseverance, adding that she can discharge the historic responsibility of leading its national security department to fulfil the crucial duty to safeguard national security at this critical moment.

The committee is chaired by the Chief Executive.

Its members comprise Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung, Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng, Secretary for Security John Lee, Commissioner of Police Tang Ping-keung, Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security) Edwina Lau, Director of Immigration Au Ka-wang, Commissioner of Customs & Excise Hermes Tang, and Chief Executive's Office Director Chan Kwok-ki who is also the committee’s Secretary General. 

As stipulated in Article 15 of the law, the committee shall have a National Security Adviser. The Central People's Government has appointed Luo Huining to take up the post, and he will sit in on the committee’s meetings.

The committee shall analyse and assess developments in relation to safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, make work plans and formulate policies for safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, advance the development of the Hong Kong SAR's legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, and co-ordinate major work and significant operations for safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR.

In addition, a specialised prosecution division responsible for the prosecution of national security offences under the Department of Justice has also been established as required by Article 18 of the law.

The division's first batch of prosecutors has been appointed by the Secretary for Justice after obtaining the committee’s consent. The head of the division will be appointed later.

As required by Article 44(1) of the law, the Chief Executive, after consulting the committee and the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, has also designated six serving magistrates from the Judiciary as designated judges to handle cases concerning offences endangering national security.

The committee will shortly convene the first meeting to fully advance the work on safeguarding national security, the Government added.