How national security and ‘one country, two systems’ go hand in hand

On February 10, China’s State Council Information Office released a white paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”. This is the third white paper issued by the Chinese central government on Hong Kong-related affairs since 2014. It reviews Hong Kong’s efforts in safeguarding national security, elaborates on the central government’s stance on Hong Kong’s role in maintaining national security and summarises the experience and insights gained under “one country, two systems”. The document holds significant and far-reaching importance for clarifying misconceptions, building consensus and ensuring the high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy with a high standard of security. First, the white paper provides a chronological overview of the struggle to safeguard national security in Hong Kong. Ensuring national security is a top priority. The struggle to safeguard national security in Hong Kong is persistent. During the transitional period prior to the return of Hong Kong, the Chinese government resolutely guaranteed the implementation of “one country, two systems”. After Hong Kong’s return, the constitution and Basic Law, particularly Article 23, provided clear constitutional arrangements in safeguarding national security in the city. However, internal and external complications stalled legislation under Article 23 for an extended period after 1997, which caused serious loopholes in Hong Kong’s legal system for safeguarding national security. Anti-China agitators had long been involved in acts and activities endangering national security. The most severe was the 2019 turmoil, which ultimately evolved into a colour revolution and posed the greatest challenge for the “one country, two systems” practice since the return of Hong Kong. Second, the white paper outlines the institutional framework and the responsibilities and measures of the central government and Hong Kong in safeguarding national security. The central government bears the fundamental responsibility for maintaining national security in all local administrative regions, including Hong Kong, while the city shall fulfil its constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security. In response to the 2019 turmoil in Hong Kong, the central government carefully assessed the situation and introduced a series of decisive measures which put an end to the chaos. In 2020, with a National People’s Congress (NPC) decision and follow-up legislation by its Standing Committee, the Hong Kong National Security Law was passed and included in Annex III of the Basic Law, ending the prolonged absence of a national security shield in Hong Kong. In 2021, the NPC made another decision and authorised its Standing Committee to amend Annex I and Annex II of the Basic Law, improving the methods for selecting the chief executive and forming the Legislative Council. This fully implemented the principle of “patriots governing Hong Kong” and remedied the loopholes and deficiencies in the city’s previous electoral system. Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the chief executive and the Hong Kong government have acted on their responsibilities and strived to deliver solid results in ensuring the law’s application. Hong Kong’s executive, legislative and judicial branches have performed their respective functions to actively prevent, halt and punish all acts and activities that endanger national security, especially through the historic passage and enforcement of legislation required by Article 23 of the Basic Law. With the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Hong Kong has finally fulfilled its long-overdue constitutional responsibility. Hong Kong has also continuously improved its local legal system, carried out strong law enforcement and judicial measures, and made solid progress in advancing public education on national security, all to safeguard and further strengthen the national security shield. Third, the white paper details the practice, historic achievements and insights gained in safeguarding national security in Hong Kong under “one country, two systems”. Through the concerted efforts of the central and Hong Kong government, China’s national sovereignty, security and development interests have been effectively protected, and security and the rule of law have been effectively safeguarded. At the same time, Hong Kong’s governance efficiency has been further enhanced, social order has been restored and the business environment has improved. Hong Kong has entered a new phase of stability and prosperity with the well-being of its residents ensured. On the new journey in this new era, we must adhere to a holistic approach to national security as its guiding principle, and grasp the practical requirements of safeguarding national security under the framework of “one country, two systems”. This means upholding the central government’s fundamental responsibility and Hong Kong’s constitutional responsibility, keeping the power to govern Hong Kong firmly in the hands of patriots and respecting and ensuring human rights. Furthermore, we must safeguard security under the rule of law, follow a holistic approach to development and security, and safeguard security with greater openness, thereby creating a high standard of security for high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy. Hong Kong is poised for broad development prospects and a promising future. We firmly believe that by safeguarding a high standard of security, Hong Kong will surely overcome all kinds of risks and challenges, achieve lasting peace and long-term prosperity and better integrate into and contribute to the overall development of the country. Doing so will ensure “one country, two systems” continues its steady and sustained progress.

How national security and ‘one country, two systems’ go hand in hand

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Beijing’s latest white paper on Hong Kong clears up misconceptions by chronicling the progress made on protecting national security

Beijing’s latest white paper on Hong Kong clears up misconceptions by chronicling the progress made on protecting national security