HK celebrates 1st NatSec day post-Article 23
▶ Chinese senior official names city best place for business as prosperity ensured
China’s Central government official Xia Baolong kicked off a high-profile opening ceremony of an event in Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR) marking the 10th anniversary of a holistic approach to national security on Monday when the city celebrated the first National Security Education Day after legislation of Article 23.
Xia, head of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, highlighted Hong Kong as the best destination in the world for business, making money and realizing dreams with the national security guarantee firmly in place.
Xia made the remarks via video link, according to the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR.
Xia stated that the unanimous passage of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance by the Hong Kong Legislative Council on March 23 is a milestone event that has a profound influence on Hong Kong’s transition from governance to prosperity and longterm stability.
After the completion of the legislation of Article 23 of the
Basic Law, it is believed that investors have cast their votes of confidence in Hong Kong with real investments. This shows that Hong Kong remains the best place in the world in terms of business environment, Xia said.
The Chinese senior official said that Hong Kong’s role as an important bridge and window connecting the mainland and the world will become more prominent, emphasizing that the central government fully supports Hong Kong’s transition from governance to prosperity, with “more measures to support and benefit Hong Kong to follow.”
Hong Kong’s prosperity “cannot be talked down by a few articles, noises or jeers,” and Hong Kong’s development cannot be obstructed by mere obstacles, Xia said.
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee also addressed the ceremony, asking the city to be vigilant of acts and activities endangering national security.
Hostile forces will continue to attack Hong Kong for political gain, just like a virus that will not disappear simply because Hong Kong has been vaccinated. Hong Kong cannot “forget the pain once the wound heals” and must take preventive measures, Lee said.
Separately, several attendees of the ceremony reached by the Global Times on Monday expressed their confidence toward the future prosperity of Hong Kong.
Willy Fu, a law professor who is also director of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong & Macao Studies, told the Global Times on Monday that the holistic approach to national security is of great significance steering the “patriots governing Hong Kong” in the right direction, and opening a new chapter in the practice of “one country, two systems” and the development of Hong Kong.
Willy Fu noted that as long as the principle of “patriots governing Hong Kong” is firmly implemented, it will certainly provide solid political support for the governance and prosperity of Hong Kong.