“Only when patriotism is strong and the influence of colonial rule is completely shaken off, can the consciousness of the constitution be deeply rooted in the hearts of the people in Hong Kong,” he said.

Deng also highlighted that on Monday, the HKMAO warned in a statement that “high vigilance” was needed given the circumstances involved in cases such as the national security trial of media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying.

Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu on Monday asked Beijing to interpret the city’s national security law after the Court of Final Appeal upheld a decision to allow British barrister Timothy Owen, a king’s counsel, to defend Lai against charges of collusion with foreign forces.

A source told the Post that given the prominence of Lai’s case, the central government wanted to minimise any risks and ensure the case was handled properly in Hong Kong.

The ruling by Hong Kong’s top court raised questions as to whether the city’s judges should have been more aware of Beijing’s interests when adjudicating cases.

“[The HKMAO said] the central government would support Hong Kong authorities in eliminating any risks that endanger national security … and make sure that the national security law is implemented in a complete, accurate and uncompromising manner,” Deng said. “These are strong words that all sectors in Hong Kong should attach great importance to.”

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Deng did not elaborate on the matters that deserved attention, but the HKMAO’s statement mentioned that some legal experts in Hong Kong had criticised the judges for allowing a London-based barrister to defend Lai.

Deng also said the national security law must be enforced “firmly and effectively”.

“The national security situation in Hong Kong has remained critical and complex and whether the national security law can be enforced fully and accurately in a series of major cases remains to be tested,” he said.

“[Authorities should] crack down on anti-China disrupters in Hong Kong in accordance with the law, on the basis of an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the national security law’s legislative principles.”

Looking forward, the former official said Beijing would be aware of enforcing both the central government’s comprehensive jurisdiction over Hong Kong and respecting the city’s high degree of autonomy.

“We must firmly control and correct whatever that deserves control and correction, and firmly establish the rules that are necessary,” he said. “We need to fully and properly utilise the central government’s powers and strengthen our supervision over the city’s executive, legislative and judicial branches.”

Deng added that while the city enjoyed a high degree of autonomy, its executive, legislative and judicial branches must not resist Beijing’s authority and supervision.

Luo, in his speech, also highlighted the need to protect national security.

“We must adhere to the highest principle of safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests,” he said. “Safeguarding national security is the common obligation of Chinese citizens. The Hong Kong national security law was formulated in accordance with the constitution … All institutions, organisations and individuals need to abide by it.”

At the seminar, city leader Lee said his request for Beijing’s interpretation of the national security law was done on sound legal grounds.

“National security risks are complex and always changing, and the work of preventing threats to national security is not easy,” he said. “We must always remain vigilant.”

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po also attended the event on Sunday, but did not speak at the seminar.

But, writing on his official blog, he said the “one country, two systems” policy, which was rooted in the Chinese constitution, had ensured Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability since 1997.

The financial secretary said that as Beijing was determined to modernise the country gradually, Hong Kong must be responsible for fully integrating with mainland China by using the city’s strengths.

“We can actively contribute by further expanding and strengthening our financial services, and to better support the development of the economy in Hong Kong and the country,” he said.

In a separate development, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok urged the city’s young people to develop a strong understanding of the Chinese constitution and the geopolitical challenges facing the country, as he spoke at a flag-raising ceremony to mark National Constitution Day.

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Lam also said the Chinese constitution and the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, had protected the city’s rule of law since 1997.

“One country, two systems and Hong Kong’s legal system have been maintained and developed, and the rule of law system has been guaranteed,” Lam said, referring to the city’s principle governing ties with the central government.

The event was attended by officers and youth groups from six disciplined services in the city, the police, immigration, customs, fire, correctional and flying services.

The justice minister noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping had said there was no reason to change the one country, two systems governing framework during his visit to Hong Kong on July 1, the city’s 25th handover anniversary.

“He fully affirmed Hong Kong’s common law system and said it must continue to be maintained,” Lam said. “This undoubtedly provided a full guarantee to Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.”

Addressing representatives of the disciplined services at the event, Lam said apart from protecting national security and understanding the Chinese constitution, the uniformed services were also responsible for helping the government promote public education and fostering a sense of national identity among residents.