Chief Secretary Eric Chan said on Tuesday society's awareness of national security has reached new heights.

He was officiating at a flag-raising ceremony at Hong Kong Police College in Wong Chuk Hang to mark the 10th National Security Education Day.

Chan said safeguarding national security is the SAR's top priority.

"We have seen growth and development in national security education over the past decade," he said.

"Under the joint efforts of the government and all sectors of society, awareness of and attention to national security have reached new levels with various events and promotion of national security education."

He noted that during the 25th anniversary of Macau's return to the motherland last year, President Xi Jinping outlined four principles for One Country, Two Systems to be implemented steadfastly and successfully, one of which includes the safeguarding of a high level of security to boost high quality development.

This, Chan said, fully demonstrates the key role that national security plays in the nation's survival and development.

He emphasised that high quality economic and social development could only be achieved with a high level of security.

Therefore, safeguarding national security is the responsibility of every citizen and the common mission of society, Chan added.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang, newly appointed Police Commissioner Joe Chow and Commissioner of Customs and Excise Chan Tsz-tat were among those at the ceremony.