Senior officials from the central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Wednesday called for coordinated development and security, noting that high-level security is essential to safeguard the city's prosperity and advance the principle of "one country, two systems" under the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30).

The remarks were made at the opening ceremony marking the 11th National Security Education Day.

This year's theme is "Proactively Align with the 15th Five-Year Plan — Follow a Holistic Approach to Development and Security".

Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, delivered a keynote speech via video link.

He said the experience of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), the social unrest in Hong Kong in 2019, and the city's recent achievements in trade and initial public offering fundraising demonstrate that development and security are inseparable.

"Security enables development. Without security, nothing else is possible. Only by holding this bottom line can we secure development and win the future," Xia said.

He called for joint efforts to sustain Hong Kong's transition from stability to prosperity through high-level security, uphold the executive-led system, leverage the city's unique strengths, and open a new chapter for "one country, two systems" during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

Zhou Ji, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, said his office will continue to support Hong Kong in fulfilling its national security responsibilities.

He also commended the SAR government for raising public awareness of national security in recent years.

Zhou noted that since the implementation of Hong Kong's national security law in 2020, the city has ranked highly in international indices and gained recognition for its stable business environment.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the government will follow guidance from a central government white paper on safeguarding national security.

The white paper, issued by the State Council Information Office on Feb 10 and titled "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems", outlines efforts to safeguard national security in Hong Kong and affirms the central government's overarching responsibility in this area.

Lee said the SAR government aims to complete drafting its first five-year plan this year, adding that the blueprint will guide socioeconomic development and support integration with national strategies.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Dong Jingwei, head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR; and Lai Ruxin, political commissar of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison.

Dong said safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the top principle of "one country, two systems".

Cui said balancing development and security serves as a "ballast stone" for Hong Kong in addressing external risks and challenges.

Earlier in the day, the city's Security Bureau and disciplined services held a joint flag-raising ceremony at the Hong Kong Police College in Wong Chuk Hang, launching a series of national security-themed activities, including open days, seminars, school workshops and a large drone performance.

Macao also held a range of events to mark the occasion.

From Wednesday, all government department websites introduced a new section titled "Every Day Is April 15", promoting national security awareness through themed comics and short videos.