Xia Baolong – the nation’s top official overseeing Hong Kong and Macao affairs – on Saturday lauded the National Security Law for Hong Kong as the “guardian of the city” that has saved “one country, two systems” from the verge of collapse, saying vigilance needs to be kept up against escalating external threats.

Xia, who’s director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, as well as the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, was speaking at the Fifth Anniversary of the Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.

He said the milestone National Security Law for Hong Kong, enacted on June 20, 2020, has addressed the city’s security vulnerabilities that once severely threatened the city’s fundamental “one country, two systems”, as well as social order and economic stability.

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The law, he said, has safeguarded the principle of “one country, two systems”, restored law and order and laid a solid foundation for Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity. It has also boosted the local economy and improved the business environment, helping the city to regain its status as a top global financial hub.

Xia emphasized that Hong Kong faces a complex and severe security situation amid profound changes in its internal and external environment.

Therefore, the city must integrate the awareness of safeguarding national security in the implementation of “one country, two systems”, uphold the “patriots administering Hong Kong” principle, resolutely safeguard national security and promote economic development, protect residents’ human rights and freedoms, and maintain Hong Kong's unique position and advantages, Xia noted.

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Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the turbulence in 2019 was a “color revolution” aimed at overthrowing the HKSAR government and endangering national security.

He thanked the central government for its decisive intervention by implementing the NSL, noting that Hong Kong has since rebounded as the world’s most competitive city and a leading financial center.

Hong Kong residents must cherish this hard-earned stability, Lee said, calling for the city’s deeper integration into national development and expanded global cooperation.

The forum also featured award ceremonies for national security-themed competitions and the launch of a new program to ensure the NSL’s long-term implementation.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, two panel discussions will be held on Saturday afternoon to review the NSL’s legislation and implementation procedures, and to shed light on the roles of young leaders in safeguarding national security.

Contact the writer at lilei@chinadailyhk.com