Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor speaks at a booth set up for people to sign a petition supporting the national security legislation. In North Point, Hong Kong, on May 28, 2020. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor welcomed the decision of the National People's Congress (NPC) to legislate national security laws for the special administrative region.

Shortly after the NPC passed the decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security, Lam said her government will fully cooperate with the Standing Committee of the NPC to complete the relevant work on legislation as soon as possible. 

I welcome the passage of the Decision by the NPC. The HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China. Safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the constitutional duty of the HKSAR and concerns every Hong Kong citizen.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor's statement

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"I welcome the passage of the Decision by the NPC. The HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China. Safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the constitutional duty of the HKSAR and concerns every Hong Kong citizen," Lam said in a statement. 

She said in her statement that the HKSAR still had the legal responsibility to enact legislation in accordance with Article 23 of the Basic Law and would do that as soon as possible.

She acknowledged the difficulty of the HK executive and legislative authorities in proactively enacting legislation to safeguard national security in the "foreseeable future" and stressed that the NPC's involvement had been necessary to safeguard national security at the state level. 

Lam pledged to explain the objective and the importance of the legislation to various sectors. "As required by the Decision, the HKSAR Government will enhance enforcement and public education in relation to safeguarding national security, and report regularly to the Central People's Government," reads the statement. 

READ MORE: HK residents from across societal spectrum endorse NPC decision

"The legislation to be enacted for the HKSAR to safeguard national security aims to prevent, curb and sanction an extremely small minority of criminals who threaten national security, safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and maintaining "One Country, Two Systems". It will not affect the legitimate rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents. "One Country, Two Systems" has been Hong Kong's top advantage, and a stable and safe society will provide a favourable business and investment environment. This will help better Hong Kong's development down the road. I strongly believe that various sectors of society will lend their full support for the legislation," Lam said in the statement.

Commissioner's office issues statement

In a separate statement issued Thursday, a spokesperson for the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR said in a statement that legislating on national security is within the power and the obligation of the central authorities, not within the limits of the autonomy of the HKSAR.

It firmly opposed and refuted a statement by US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo in which he alleged that the national security legislation for Hong Kong would undermine Hong Kong's autonomy and freedoms and threatened sanctions.

“The legislation targets only a few acts and activities endangering national security. It will not affect the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong, will not affect Hong Kong citizens' rights and freedoms enshrined in the law, and will not affect foreign investors' legitimate rights and interests here. Quite the contrary, it will only help to refine the legal system of Hong Kong and uphold social order in the city, and will facilitate the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability in the long run,” reads the statement. 

The spokesperson said it was utterly imperious, unreasonable and shameless for some in the US to stigmatize and demonize China's just and legitimate measures to plug the loopholes in national security.