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1) Each group should select one specific area of national security to explore.

2)Conduct research on your chosen topic. Consider the following guiding questions to help your exploration.

Guiding Questions

What is the significance of this area of national security?

Why is it important for the country’s overall security?

What are the current challenges or threats related to this area?

Identify specific examples of recent events or issues.

What measures are currently in place to address these challenges?

How does this area of national security impact citizens?

Consider both positive and negative effects on daily life.

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Why is it important for the country’s national security?

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Why is it important for the country’s national security?

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Cultural security is related to national stability, national unity and spiritual inheritance. It is an important guarantee for building a strong nation with socialism, and safeguarding national security. It is crucial to preserve history, values, language, communication and all relations. Threats to cultural security can lead to divisions, loss of national confidence, and weakened societal bonds, which in turn can destabilise the state and make it vulnerable to manipulation or conflict.

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To ensure we have abundant, stable and sustainable supply of resources like water, food, and energy, which are fundamental for economic and social development and for meeting current and future needs. It prevents resource conflicts, supports long-term prosperity, and is crucial for environmental protection and the well-being of both people and ecosystems

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Deep sea security involves safeguarding activities, assets, and interests in the deep sea and international seabed areas, including peaceful exploration, scientific research, resource development, and protection of undersea infrastructure. It is significant as the deep sea is a critical domain with vast biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and potential economic resources such as minerals and genetic materials. It is also a future focus for international competition and governance. For Hong Kong, located at a strategic maritime gateway in the Pearl River Delta facing the South China Sea, deep sea security is integral to its broader maritime and national security.

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Cybersecurity is a big deal for China’s national security, keeping everything from power grids to banks safe while ensuring the government stays in control. With over a billion people online, China uses tools like the Great Firewall to block foreign cyberattacks and keep a lid on any domestic trouble, like protests or rumors. The 2016 Cybersecurity Law forces companies to store data locally and pass security checks, cutting dependence on foreign tech, especially with U.S. tensions running high. It’s not just about defense; it also boosts China’s military and global clout, pushing for a world where countries control their own internet. It’s a shield and a power move all in one.

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Deep sea security supports national sovereignty, economic security, and environmental sustainability. It helps prevent illegal activities such as unauthorized resource extraction, protects critical subsea infrastructure like fiber optic cables vital to communications, and supports scientific research vital for understanding marine ecosystems. Effective deep sea security underpins Hong Kong's and the nation's prosperity, stability, and lawful maritime operations by securing national interests in adjacent maritime zones and the broader international seabed.

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Hong Kong and the broader national government have legislation frameworks such as the National Security Law and plans to improve legislation aligned with international law to safeguard deep sea and maritime interests. Efforts include promoting maritime scientific and technological innovation, conducting oceanic surveys, enhancing exploration capacity, and fostering international cooperation. Surveillance technologies like autonomous underwater vehicles, remote operated vehicles, acoustic sensors, and satellite monitoring are part of the strategy alongside strengthening legal frameworks under UNCLOS and the International Seabed Authority.

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Significance:

Prevent the extinction of humankind by exploring other habitable planets in our solar system or outer space. Preventing space trash from colliding with active satellites and spacecraft, disrupting daily life activities (Ex. satellites communication and navigation.)

Problems related to national Security:

Humans create an excessive number of space trash every year. Some of the rubbish are thrown to the Earth’ atmosphere, which increases the risk of colliding with satellites for civilian functions and active spacecrafts. Further build up of space trash in our atmosphere could also post a risk to human spaceflight and future space developments. Moreover, global reliance on space-based technology will continue to rise over the years. If we continue polluting the outer space with trash, it might ultimately lead to the extinction of mankind.

Challenges:

The clearing of space trash in our atmosphere could be very costly, with no economic benefits in return. Active debris removal is expensive and resource-intensive, making a difficult decision for clean-up companies and even the Government. The costs are uncertain and the exact removal of

the trash is not definite.

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Positive effects like economic growth and enhanced geopolitical power, but also negative effects such as the potential for conflict over resources, environmental degradation, and the resource curse

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China announced the discovery of several new large oil and gas fields and significant mineral deposits, including antimony, graphite, tungsten, and molybdenum, to enhance its strategic reserves in 2023. (Energy and minerals)

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Our nation’s resource security faces threats from geopolitical rivalry with the US, supply chain vulnerabilities, environmental degradation, and challenges in securing a stable supply of key resources like energy and food.

The strategic rivalry creates tension and could lead to disruptions in supply chains, especially as the focus shifts from efficiency to security.

As China seeks resources to fuel its growth, it increases international competition and can destabilize resource-rich but politically fragile nations, potentially disrupting supply chains.

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What China did for protecting the deep sea security 

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What China did for protecting the deep sea security 

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Deep-sea cable cutting: China has developed a device capable of cutting subsea communication and power cables at depths of up to 4,000 meters. This technology, intended for civilian uses like salvage, is seen by some as having significant military implications for disrupting global communication and financial systems.

Underwater vehicles: China is also developing unmanned submersible vessels and has highlighted its capabilities in this area, which can be used for a range of military actions in the deep sea, notes this report from the National Institute for Defense Studies.

Spying devices: China's Ministry of State Security has reported finding and removing foreign spying devices, including underwater "lighthouses" that could guide foreign submarines.

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Social security is significant to national security because it creates a more stable and resilient society by protecting citizens from hardships, reducing poverty and fostering public trust

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1. China is rapidly expanding its deep-sea research fleet, deploying vessels that critics allege collect seabed data for military purposes, such as improving submarine warfare capabilities. In October 2025, a Chinese research vessel was reportedly operating near territories claimed by the Philippines, possibly deploying underwater surveillance drones.

2. Following a US executive order in April 2025 to accelerate deep-sea mining permits, China accused the US of violating international law. This highlights China's concern over perceived US unilateralism in the deep sea and signals its own intent to compete for influence over seabed mineral resources.

3. China is developing deep-sea infrastructure to increase its power projection. This includes a planned deep-sea research facility in the South China Sea, expected to be operational by 2030, which could bolster both scientific research and military capabilities.

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What are the current challenges or threats related to this area?

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What are the current challenges or threats related to this area?

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The influence of foreign beliefs and values is an increasing concern which can undermine traditional norms and weaken national identity. Commercialisation and westernisation can lead to a rejection of native values and practices, threatening the established cultural hierarchy. People may lose faith in their own cultural heritage, leading to diminished pride and cohesion.

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How does this area of national security impact citizens?

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How does this area of national security impact citizens?

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Social security impacts citizens as it involves their welfare. Good social security also ensures social stability, and citizens’ safety.

Firstly, social security impacts citizens because it involves preventing terrorism and providing a safe environment to foster citizens’ health and wellbeing.

On the flip side, if the government did not value this side of social security, the problem of terrorism may not be properly addressed. Terrorism impacts citizens negatively through physical harm and psychological distress that can threaten social stability.

Secondly, social security impacts citizens as it involves protecting citizens’ welfare, for example, through preventing poverty. This is important because poverty may lead to crime, threatening social stability and our safety.

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What are the current challenges or threats related to this area? What measures are currently in place to address these challenges?

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What are the current challenges or threats related to this area? What measures are currently in place to address these challenges?

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Population structure changes:

China’s population is aging rapidly and the population of people aged 60 or above is growing and the birth rates have been decreasing. The population of people aged 60 and over is growing faster than in many other countries, and is projected to reach 28% of the total population by 2040, while China's fertility rate in 2024 was only 1.01 births per woman, whereas in 1990 it was 2.51. This caused China to face a shrinking workforce, leading to labour shortage in sectors like healthcare, construction, and transportation. Hence, existing workers may face pressure to work longer hours or take on more responsibility to compensate for those who have left the workforce. Therefore, implement policies that provide financial and practical support to families.

Policies that provide financial and practical support to families are implemented to raise birth rates. For example, financial incentives like childbirth allowance are directly provided for having children. Support on education is also provided, such as subsidy on childcare education or even free education.

Urban crimes

Urban crime like theft and fraud has always been common in China. However, human trafficking is especially serious compared to other countries. It has been listed as the country with the most serious human trafficking by the United States for eight consecutive years. Human trafficking can lead to social disintegration, creating tension within families and communities. For example, parents are afraid that their children will be kidnapped and seldom take them out.

The government is trying to expand its police force for the sake of public order and adding more CCTV cameras around the country, especially in quite and abandoned areas, where human trafficking is more likely to happen. Citizens are being educated about this issue and more awareness are raised, such as how to protect themselves and their families and not be a victim of human trafficking.

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Cybersecurity is important for protecting sensitive data, ensuring business continuity, and maintaining public trust in a world reliant on digital systems. It safeguards against cyber threats like malware and ransomware, which can lead to financial losses, identity theft, and reputational damage.

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The cybersecurity challenges facing China in 2025 revolve around a complex and evolving landscape marked by tighter regulatory frameworks with recent amendments to the Cybersecurity Law that introduce stricter penalties, enforcement mechanisms, and requirements aligned with data protection laws. China grapples with sophisticated cyber threats like ransomware, supply chain vulnerabilities, and advanced persistent threats targeting critical sectors including finance and healthcare. This is compounded by a shortage of cybersecurity talent and the pressure of geopolitical tensions, which heighten risks of espionage and digital sovereignty conflicts. Businesses face increased compliance burdens with demands for stringent data governance, incident reporting within hours, and security certifications, especially in critical infrastructure and network operations. These challenges together pose significant risks to national security, economic stability, and digital resilience, requiring enhanced cybersecurity investments, regulatory adherence, and proactive risk management from both the government and private sector actors.

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the Change Healthcare ransomware attack in early 2024, the Tesla data leak from 2023, and the F5 Networks data breach attributed to China in late 2025

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China is addressing its cybersecurity challenges through a comprehensive regulatory and enforcement framework that includes updated laws, stricter penalties, and proactive supervisory measures. The 2025 amendments to China’s Cybersecurity Law establish harsher penalties, clearer enforcement, and alignment with newer data protection laws like the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) and Data Security Law (DSL), promoting cohesive compliance. Regulatory bodies enforce network and data security inspections, risk assessments, and emergency response readiness for telecommunications, internet service providers, and other critical sectors. Companies must conduct regular personal information protection audits and comply with mandatory cyber incident reporting within tight timeframes starting November 2025. Network product suppliers face rigorous security certification and approval processes before market access. Flexible penalty systems incentivize self-correction and proactive risk management, while severe violations trigger escalated penalties. These coordinated legal, administrative, and operational measures enhance China's defenses against cyber threats, ensure national security, and push businesses toward robust cybersecurity governance.

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China’s cybersecurity measures impact citizens daily in several ways. Positively, these measures enhance protection of personal data by mandating that citizens' information be stored within China’s borders, improving data security against external breaches. Real-name registration rules reduce online anonymity, aimed at curbing fraud, misinformation, and harmful content, contributing to a safer online environment. However, these same policies can negatively affect privacy, limiting anonymity and increasing state surveillance on internet activities. Companies imposing strict identity verification may also suspend accounts of unverified users, potentially restricting access to services. While increased cybersecurity enforcement protects infrastructure and data, it raises concerns about digital privacy and freedom for ordinary citizens in their everyday internet use.

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Effect on citizens (positive and negative)

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Effect on citizens (positive and negative)

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Resource security ensures that citizens have a stable supply of essential needs like food, water, and energy, which supports economic stability, health, and peace. Conversely, resource insecurity can lead to higher living costs, economic strain, and social conflict due to competition for scarce resources, potentially creating instability and jeopardizing livelihoods and human rights.

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As technology is advancing rapidly, computer and information technology have not only brought convenience to citizens in modern life, but also encouraged lawbreakers to take advantage of advanced technology to commit crimes through various modus operandi. The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) has been dedicated to fighting technology crime, striving to maintain law and order in cyberspace so as to ensure that Hong Kong remains a digitally safe city.

The Hong Kong Police Force is committed to combating technology crime. The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) is responsible for handling cyber security issues and carrying out technology crime investigations, computer forensic examinations and prevention of technology crime. CSTCB will also establish close liaison with local and overseas law enforcement agencies for combating cross-border technology crime and experience exchange.

The CSTCB established the ‘Cyberdefender’ platforms, including the one-stop cyber security information website and three social media channels, namely Facebook Page, Instagram account and YouTube channel, which aimed at raising citizens' awareness on information security risks, online fraud and objectionable materials, and leading them to become smart e-citizen.

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Advanced Tracking Systems: Investment in improved tracking technologies to monitor space debris and active satellites will enhance collision avoidance.

Data Sharing Platforms: Development of international data-sharing initiatives to provide real-time information on space traffic and potential threats.

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Our nation’s resource security faces threats from geopolitical rivalry with the US, supply chain vulnerabilities, environmental degradation, and challenges in securing a stable supply of key resources like energy and food.

The strategic rivalry creates tension and could lead to disruptions in supply chains, especially as the focus shifts from efficiency to security.

As China seeks resources to fuel its growth, it increases international competition and can destabilize resource-rich but politically fragile nations, potentially disrupting supply chains.

Solutions

China addresses its resource security through a multifaceted strategy that includes increasing domestic reserves and production, securing international supply chains via investment and partnerships, and promoting sustainable practices like recycling and efficient use. Key aspects are boosting domestic exploration and mining, particularly for strategic minerals, and investing heavily in resource-rich regions like Africa to secure foreign supplies of materials like cobalt, nickel, and copper.