Safeguard for Hong Kong’s security and prosperity

After the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region unanimously passed the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance mandated by Article 23 of the Basic Law of Hong Kong on Tuesday, some Western figures, including those in the European Council, began attacking the legislation and questioning the business environment in Hong Kong. However, they were just engaging in routine “political theater”.

The latest legislation, in conjunction with the already implemented Hong Kong National Security Law, fills in the gaps in safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, truly ensures its long-term stability and the steady progress of the “one country, two systems” policy.

Around the world, countries attach importance to national security legislation. The United States and the United Kingdom, for instance, have both enacted strict national security laws; as many as 21 in the US and 14 in the UK.

In fact, “protecting human rights” runs through every part of the Hong Kong National Security Law. The law explicitly regards respecting and protecting human rights as an important principle. Protecting the rights and freedoms stipulated in the Basic Law of Hong Kong, and the relevant provisions of international conventions continue to apply to the city. For the vast majority of Hong Kong residents and international investors, the law is a “guardian” protecting their rights and freedoms, property, and investments.

Security is the premise of development. The Hong Kong National Security Law not only ensures security but also protects development. Data show that by 2023, the number of companies stationed in Hong Kong with their headquarters overseas or in the Chinese mainland reached 9,039, an increase of 61 compared to the previous year, returning to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels; the number of start-ups increased by 270 to nearly 4,300, reaching a historical high.

This indicates that following the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, confidence in Hong Kong’s business environment remains strong among domestic and overseas investors and enterprises. With the law in place, Hong Kong has a more stable and predictable business environment, and people are more confident in investing and doing business in Hong Kong.