Hong Kong deputies to the nation’s top legislature on Sunday applauded the central authorities’ resolve to protect the interests of the nation and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by introducing national security legislation.

Their remarks came after Vice-Premier Han Zheng met with 36 Hong Kong delegates in Beijing earlier in the day. During the meeting, Han said the central authorities’ determination to enact such a law should not be underestimated as he spoke on the legislative intent of the much-awaited national security law, according to the delegation.

Hong Kong deputy to the National People’s Congress Maggie Chan Man-ki said Han’s words showed the central government’s resolve to plug any legal loopholes in the SAR in national security, and to punish secessionists and those who endanger the nation’s security.

The vice-premier has made it very clear that the law will target only separatists and anti-China advocates who seek to destabilize Hong Kong, Chan said after the meeting, adding that the law aims to better protect the rights of the people to property, freedom and safety.

Han’s remarks were also a morale boost for Hong Kong people, which would help restore peace and maintain prosperity in a city that has been battered by months of social turmoil and the coronavirus pandemic, Chan said.

Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kong member of the NPC Standing Committee, said the central authorities have been very “prudent” in making the decision on the national security law. It had been considered for some time in view of recent events that challenged the “one country, two systems” principle, according to Tam.

Tam said Han’s remarks showed the central government’s concern for Hong Kong as it will not tolerate the city being turned into a base for those bent on harming the country.

Tam agreed it was of vital importance to explain the legislation to the public. Therefore, he suggested inviting relevant officials from the mainland to discuss the law.

The public could also make their views heard through the website of the NPC Standing Committee, Tam said.

Hong Kong delegate Witman Hung Wai-man vowed to promote among the public the legislative intent and effects of the proposed national security law. The legislation will serve as a deterrent to secessionists and those colluding with external force, he said.

The deputies’ views echoed national political advisers who met with Han on Saturday.

Alan Hoo Hon-ching, a member of the nation’s top advisory body — the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference — said Han’s remarks had sent out a clear message after the Saturday meeting. 

The vice-premier set the record straight on the new legislation, which has been vilified by the opposition camp, he added.

The barrister stressed that the original intent of Article 23 of the Basic Law is for Hong Kong to safeguard national security by way of local legislation. The abeyance of Article 23 goes against that mission, he explained.