Fu Kin-chi says document dispels ambiguities, charts the course, and consolidates strength for Hong Kong society

The white paper, titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”, comes at a critical juncture following the successful implementation of the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law.

The document systematically summarizes the legal practice and historical experience of safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, offers a profound exposition of the intrinsic logic linking national security with the steady implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle, points the way forward for Hong Kong in safeguarding national security, and seek to strengthen confidence in the city’s future.

The white paper sets the record straight on major issues concerning national security governance in Hong Kong from historical, legal, and practical dimensions. It unequivocally states that safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests is the supreme principle of the “one country, two systems” policy, clarifying the relational hierarchy between “one country” and “two systems” and making it clear that national security is the fundamental prerequisite for all rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

At the constitutional level, the white paper clearly delineates the “ultimate responsibility” of the central government over national security affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the constitutional responsibility of the HKSAR. The central government’s responsibility stems from the integrity of national sovereignty and the exercise of its overall jurisdiction over the HKSAR, possessing fundamental and ultimate authority. The HKSAR’s legislation, law enforcement, and judicial actions in accordance with Article 23 of the Basic Law represent the fulfillment of its constitutional duty and the exercise of its high degree of autonomy.

The white paper emphasizes that these two responsibilities are not opposed but, form an organically unified and mutually reinforcing whole. The enactment of the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law (NSL) in June 2020 was a paradigm action of the central government fulfilling its ultimate responsibility, effectively filling the legal vacuum in Hong Kong for safeguarding national security and swiftly turning the then-chaotic situation around.

The white paper clearly sets out the strategic direction and practical pathways for Hong Kong transitioning from order to prosperity. The document notes the link between security and development, pointing out that security is the cornerstone of development, and development is the safeguard of security.

The implementation of the NSL has completely ended social turmoil, restored the authority of the rule of law, and created a stable environment for business and life. All these have created unprecedentedly favorable conditions for Hong Kong to focus on development and livelihoods, and to enhance competitiveness.

The white paper points the way for Hong Kong’s future development in three major directions: First, it must continuously consolidate the national security barrier to ensure the foundations of “one country” are more solid. Second, it must fully leverage the institutional advantages of the “one country, two systems” framework to enhance economic competitiveness. Third, it must proactively integrate into national development to achieve greater development of its own by serving national strategies.

This signifies that Hong Kong’s development mindset needs to shift from “crisis response” to “long-term planning”, and from “partial improvement” to “systematic upgrade”. A broad consensus has formed across society: Only by firmly seizing the historic opportunity of moving from order to prosperity, and by going all-out to boost the economy, pursue development, and benefit people’s livelihoods, can deep-seated contradictions be fundamentally resolved and Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability be guaranteed. This consensus has paved the way for the desired shift in the development philosophy.

The release of the white paper serves as a general mobilization for Hong Kong society. Writing a new chapter in socioeconomic development requires the HKSAR government to demonstrate greater responsibility and to take bolder actions; the legislature to efficiently deliberate on laws and policies supporting development; and for all sectors of society to cooperate and concentrate their energies on the work of building Hong Kong and benefiting its people.

Simultaneously, it is essential to vigorously strengthen national education and national security education, enhancing national awareness and the concept of the rule of law across society, especially among the youth; laying the social foundation for enduring peace and stability.

The white paper is a significant milestone. It marks Hong Kong’s entry into a new phase of systematic improvement in and implementation of its national security regime.

More importantly, it dispels ambiguities, charts the course, and consolidates strength for Hong Kong society. Currently, national development has entered a new journey of comprehensively advancing the building of a strong country through Chinese modernization. Hong Kong’s role in the national 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) is clear, and its opportunities are unprecedented.

As long as Hong Kong society remembers that “national security is of paramount importance”, steadfastly upholds the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law, and, under this premise, goes all-out to develop the economy, improve people’s livelihoods, and enhance competitiveness, Hong Kong will continue its journey to a brighter future.

The author is a law professor, director of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, and president of the Association for the Promotion of Rule of Law, Education and Technologies.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.