The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government allocated HK$5 billion in 2026 for national security expenditure, marking the third special fund since the National Security Law took effect in 2020 [1, 2, 3]. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po previously approved HK$8 billion in December 2020 and HK$5 billion in March 2023 for the same purpose [1, 2, 3].
The latest HK$5 billion allocation was not included in the official budget estimates for the 2025-26 financial year but was confirmed in the government’s quarterly accounts published on May 18, 2026 [1, 3]. The funds are drawn from general revenue as non-recurrent expenditures to cover expenses related to safeguarding national security and associated staffing costs [1, 2, 3].
All national security expenditures and staffing levels are approved by the Chief Executive and operate outside normal restrictions under Hong Kong laws [1, 2, 3]. Financial Secretary Chan said national security expenses are handled through a separate budget from the Committee for Safeguarding National Security [2].
There is disagreement over the total cumulative national security expenditure since 2020. Some sources estimate a total of HK$180 billion, while others, including official Hong Kong government statements, put the figure at HK$18 billion over five years [1, 2, 3].
The currency value for the 2026 fund approximates 8.17 billion Singapore dollars [1].
The three consecutive national security fund allocations are: HK$8 billion in December 2020, HK$5 billion in March 2023, and HK$5 billion in 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The latest fund allocation directly follows the end of the 2025-26 financial year and was publicly confirmed in government financial disclosures on May 18, 2026 [1, 3].
