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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.