The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has seen order restored, executive-led governance improved, and a better national security mechanism, with the rights of residents and investors protected, and the city’s uniqueness buttressed since the National Security Law for Hong Kong was implemented in 2020.

Dong Jingwei, director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security (OSNS) of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, made the remarks on Monday at a flag-raising ceremony commemorating the fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of Hong Kong’s NSL, as well as the establishment of the office.

He said, in the past five years, the city has transitioned from turmoil and unrest to a state of stability and tranquillity, and the executive-led system is operating smoothly, infused with new vitality in governance.

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The HKSAR government has also successfully enacted Article 23 of the Basic Law and continuously improved the legal system for safeguarding national security, while the legitimate rights and interests of local and foreign investors are safely protected.

Dong said Hong Kong’s dramatic transition from chaos to order and its journey from stability to prosperity would not have been possible without the central government’s strong leadership, the dedicated fulfilment of duties by the city’s governance team, and the concerted efforts of its residents.

The SAR must remain secure, never forget the dangers it still faces, and maintain order without disregarding the potential for chaos, he said, adding that Hong Kong is now at a critical juncture of forging a new landscape and achieving a great leap forward.

The OSNS will remain steadfast in fully implementing a holistic approach to national security, uphold the NSL, stay vigilant to risks, and safeguard security to seek development, Dong said.

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The office will continue to work with the SAR government to prevent, prohibit and punish acts that endanger national security, firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests to maintain Hong Kong’s high-quality development, and make greater contributions to building a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization.

In a congratulatory message, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said he is grateful to the OSNS for overseeing, guiding, coordinating and supporting the SAR in realizing its duties to safeguard national security in line with the NSL in the past five years.

The SAR government will continue working to overcome difficulties and serve the nation under the strong leadership of the central government, Lee said.

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In a video posted on his social media page, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said Hong Kong's stability isn't easy to come by. The implementation of the NSL for Hong Kong has filled the lacunae in the city's legal system. With the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance coming into effect last year, both laws are compatible and complementary in enhancing national security.

Tang pledged to lead his team in promoting public awareness of and education work on national security.  

“At present, the business environment has continuously improved. Hong Kong ranks first as the world's freest economy and third among global financial centres, and has returned to the top three in the world in terms of competitiveness, demonstrating that Hong Kong is moving full steam ahead along the path of 'advancing from stability to prosperity'," a spokesman for the HKSAR government said.

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“We will also ramp up our efforts in publicity and education to arouse public awareness in safeguarding national security, thereby forming a societal shield to fend off external intervention, ensuring high-quality development with high-level security, continuously composing a new chapter in the practice of 'one country, two systems',” the spokesman added.

About 150 dignitaries and HKSAR officials, including Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung and Police Commissioner Joe Chow Yat-ming attended the ceremony.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com