Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs has urged businesspeople to serve as the “main force” driving the city’s economic development by investing in innovation and the Northern Metropolis project, calling on them to demonstrate their patriotism through “concrete actions”.

Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, also argued that people with “ulterior motives” had politicised the deadly Tai Po fire to stir up social unrest, urging residents to remain vigilant against national security risks.

“Security at one point in time does not mean permanent security. Current stability also does not guarantee future security,” the senior official said in a video address at the opening ceremony of National Security Education Day on Wednesday.

“After the Tai Po fire, people with ulterior motives politicised the tragedy in a bid to stir up chaos in the city. It once again reminds us that Hong Kong still faces various risks and challenges on its journey from stability to prosperity.”

He was referring to the city’s deadliest blaze in decades, which killed 168 people at Wang Fuk Court last November.

Xia urged the city to remain vigilant against national security threats and to stay adequately prepared for risks arising from current geopolitical tensions, which he conceded could have an impact on Hong Kong.