Policy Address 2026: Hong Kong to expand gov’t-funded national security exhibition

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, announced plans to expand the government-funded National Security Exhibition Gallery in his annual Policy Address speech. The gallery, housed at the Hong Kong Museum of History, has already attracted over 1.9 million visitors since its opening in mid-2024. Lee emphasized the exhibition's goal to promote the idea that "security brings prosperity."

Currently, the gallery occupies 1,100 square meters on the museum's second floor and is divided into six areas, covering China's national development and Hong Kong's 2019 protests. Lee urged Hong Kong to adopt a "bottom-line mindset" for safeguarding national security against "hidden threats" and adopt a holistic approach, combining high-quality development with high-level security.

In addition to expanding the gallery, the government will enhance the role of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security and promote national security knowledge in schools, communities, and enterprises. The National Security Legislation, introduced in June 2020, has been criticized by trade partners, the UN, and NGOs for its sweeping powers and the subsequent arrests.