Editorial | Hong Kong must keep up ‘unrelenting’ fight to safeguard national security
The central government’s white paper is the clearest and strongest warning yet against violations of national security
The State Council’s document expounded on the responsibility of the central government for national security, the achievements of the local government in fulfilling its constitutional duty in safeguarding national security, the city’s transition from disorder to stability and prosperity, and efforts to ensure a high standard of security to facilitate high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy.
Coming a day after the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily was jailed for 20 years for conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious articles, the message is clear. The document reviews efforts to safeguard security and the experience and insights gained in the process, aiming to clear up misunderstandings around the issue and build consensus and to ensure the high-quality development of one country, two systems with high-standard security.
“Safeguarding national security is a long-term and enduring task,” the paper says. “Practice has proven that security is not an inhibition, but rather a safeguard and a booster,” it adds.
That national security protection is an unceasing process has long been the official position. The white paper is the clearest and strongest warning yet against violations of national security. Beijing’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong said the paper marked a new starting point in safeguarding national security while Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu pledged to implement the white paper’s requirements.
Noting the complex environment facing the country and the city, Beijing called for improvements in risk monitoring and early warning systems to defuse major risks. “Greater attention should be given to security in unconventional areas such as finance, shipping, trade, and the protection of overseas interests,” it said. “Intervention and sabotage by hostile external forces must be guarded against, and the systems and mechanisms for countering foreign sanctions, intervention, and long-arm jurisdiction should be further improved.”