Three years after the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong (NSL), the city has returned to normalcy after putting an end to the chaos witnessed for several years.

The local economy and people’s livelihoods have significantly improved, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has strengthened its defense of national security. Nevertheless, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has pointed out that despite the progress, subversive forces continue to exist, with “soft resistance” activities still being carried out via internet, media, cultural and artistic platforms.

These activities seek to exacerbate tensions by inciting hatred against the central and HKSAR governments. Therefore, the government needs to raise residents’ awareness of the risk to national security and expedite the completion of legislation according to Article 23 of the Basic Law to safeguard national security effectively.

Three years ago, the anti-extradition campaign caused widespread fear for personal safety among members of the community, with rioters wantonly obstructing transportation, attacking people who did not share their views, committing arson and throwing petrol bombs on the streets.

At that critical moment, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress decisively enacted the National Security Law for Hong Kong, effectively restoring order and the rule of law in Hong Kong.

As of March this year, the police have arrested 243 people for activities that endanger national security, and over 140 individuals and five companies have since been prosecuted. The implementation of the NSL has played a pivotal role in maintaining Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.

Hong Kong society is now calm once again. However, there are still undercurrents at play. Recently, the Department of Justice applied for an injunction to prohibit the spread of the pro-independence song Glory to Hong Kong in any form, and several streaming platforms promptly removed the song. However, the song has reappeared on numerous platforms. The song promotes “Hong Kong independence” and incites violence; those who persist in spreading the song intend to subvert Hong Kong.  

Furthermore, some saboteurs have smeared the Chinese mainland’s organ donation system, and tried to disrupt Hong Kong’s organ donation registration. A small number of anti-China activists who have fled abroad continue to vilify the NSL and try to damage Hong Kong’s international reputation; they also called for foreign sanctions on China and the HKSAR. So the national security risks in Hong Kong must not be underestimated.

To combat any form of “soft resistance”, the HKSAR government must take strong countermeasures and proactively use legal means. The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force recently arrested a 23-year-old woman studying in Japan for “making one or more acts with seditious intent”, invoking the extraterritoriality of the NSL for the first time since its implementation. The “extraterritorial effect” of the law ensures that those who break the law overseas are not spared from legal responsibility, deterring anti-China activists both in Hong Kong and abroad. The HKSAR government should assume the primary responsibility for enhancing national security defense in Hong Kong by completing local legislation on national security, among other measures.

Moreover, society at large should help to cultivate national consciousness, ethnic sentiment and national identity among the younger generation, as well as foster an awareness of the importance of safeguarding national security among Hong Kong’s youth.

The author is a member of China Retold and Hong Kong Quality And Talent Migrants Association.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.