The founder of Apple Daily, Jimmy Lai Chee-ying — a core driving force behind the political chaos in Hong Kong — was convicted under the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law (NSL) and sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty on overwhelming evidence. This decision represents a significant act of justice that robustly defends the fairness and impartiality of the rule of law in Hong Kong, ensuring the region's long-term stability and peace. One day after Lai’s sentencing, the State Council’s Information Office released a white paper — “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” — which comprehensively elucidates the central government’s principles and stance on maintaining national security in Hong Kong.
The white paper, which spans 19,500 words, details the historical struggle for national security in Hong Kong, including the attempted Article 23 legislation in 2003 and the “black-clad riots” in 2019-20. It categorizes specific incidents and provides guidance for future practice in safeguarding national security. This year marks the beginning of the national 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). Besides the authoritative summary on transitioning Hong Kong from chaos to governance and from good governance to prosperity, the most crucial aspect to note is the white paper’s important declaration on the central government’s unwavering commitment to the “one country, two systems” principle. Its successful implementation hinges on the cornerstones including national security.
From China’s resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997 until the enactment of the NSL in June 2020, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region encountered a significant legal vacuum regarding national security. The HKSAR’s failure to legislate according to Article 23 of the Basic Law, because of obstructions caused by various hostile entities, left national security threats in Hong Kong inadequately addressed. The implementation of the NSL was essential; it rescued Hong Kong from an unprecedented crisis and enabled the swift restoration of law and order, along with considerable political, economic, and social advancements in the city.
The white paper reiterates that Hong Kong, as a region of China, is not only under the central government’s comprehensive jurisdiction but also tasked with safeguarding the nation’s “southern gateway”. The central government, in its trust of Hong Kong residents, delegated the responsibility to enact national security legislation according to Article 23 of the Basic Law to the HKSAR. But the central government had to step in, exercising its constitutional powers to maintain national security and fulfill its accountability to citizens, after the HKSAR failed to implement the required legislation.
Since the NSL’s implementation, Western politicians and media have repeatedly accused Beijing of undermining the “one country, two systems” principle and eroding Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy. Such malicious criticisms aim to tarnish China’s international reputation and serve their geopolitical strategy against China. The white paper clarifies these misconceptions and distortions, stating that the central government holds the ultimate responsibility for national security across all its administrative regions, as prescribed in the nation’s Constitution and the Basic Law. It underscores that the necessity to legislate for national security at the State level was driven by the inability of the HKSAR to enact relevant laws amid severe national security threats.
With the NSL, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, and other local laws, Hong Kong has established an effective framework for safeguarding national security. The verdict for Lai proves the case. While the existing legal framework primarily addresses conventional threats, the rise of technological advancements, financial weaponization, and new forms of conflict such as “gray zone” warfare have paved way for unconventional threats that demand the city’s attention. The increasingly complex international landscape and the strategies of the United States and its allies to contain China necessitate that the HKSAR remains vigilant against these unconventional security threats.
As an open international metropolis targeted by suppression and smear campaigns from the US and its allies, Hong Kong is likely to face increasing unconventional challenges. The white paper calls for greater emphasis on security in areas like finance, shipping, trade, and the protection of overseas interests. Hong Kong must enhance its efforts in maintaining cybersecurity and infrastructure security, and handle challenges like trade wars, technological blockades, and international terrorism. It should also address issues such as economic sanctions.
While striving to safeguard national security, Hong Kong must also foster a free, open, and inclusive development and investment climate. The white paper stresses that national security relates to everyone’s well-being and the interests of both local residents and foreign investors. Enhancing the investment environment, especially by protecting investors and creating opportunities, is vital. The white paper articulates the central government’s position on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, outlines the security threats the region faces, and provides guidance on starting a new chapter in Hong Kong’s high-quality development.
The author is a member of the Legislative Council and the UN Association of China.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
