In this Aug 16, 2023 photo, the skyline of Hong Kong Island can be seen across Victoria Harbour as tourists throng the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui to enjoy a sunny afternoon. (SHAMIM ASHRAF / CHINA DAILY)

BEIJING - Since the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government initiated a public consultation on the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law of the HKSAR, people from various sectors have expressed their hope for a swift and efficient conclusion to the legislative process.

Intense public discussions have shed light on the reasons why the Article 23 legislation will ensure a more promising future for Hong Kong.

First, completing the legislation of Article 23 will consolidate the foundation for the steady and continued success of "one country, two systems". The supreme principle of the "one country, two systems" policy is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. The legislation of Article 23, together with the national security law in Hong Kong, will create a strong defense to safeguard national security and the policy of "one country, two systems".

The completion of the Article 23 legislation will shore up weak links and plug loopholes in Hong Kong's endeavor to safeguard national security and effectively forestall and defuse various risks. This will help create a safe environment for Hong Kong to focus on development

Second, the completion of Article 23 legislation will provide a sound environment for boosting economic development and people's livelihood in Hong Kong.

The national security law in Hong Kong has brought the region back on the right track by ending chaos and restoring order in the region. Yet, the challenges to national security faced by Hong Kong remain complex and grave, and the systems and mechanisms that go with the implementation of the national security law have not been completed.

The completion of the Article 23 legislation will shore up weak links and plug loopholes in Hong Kong's endeavor to safeguard national security and effectively forestall and defuse various risks. This will help create a safe environment for Hong Kong to focus on development.

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Third, completing the legislation of Article 23 will further bolster social stability and legal certainty in Hong Kong, which, as acknowledged by numerous business and legal experts, play a pivotal role in attracting investments to the region.

Previously, due to the lack of a legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security, Hong Kong experienced a period of social turbulence.

A bus passes by commercial buildings in Central, Hong Kong, on Jan 8, 2024. (GARY CHIU / CHINA DAILY)

The enactment and implementation of the national security law has changed the adverse situation. Statistics show that the total number of businesses operating in Hong Kong with parent companies situated overseas or on the mainland reached 9,039 in 2023, returning to the pre-pandemic level.

The legislation of Article 23 is expected to improve the business climate in Hong Kong, and enable the region to better leverage its unique status and advantages.

It is also worth noting that security measures do not contradict development. Likewise, the legislation of Article 23 should not be seen as at odds with the efforts to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international financial center.

As the enactment and implementation of the national security law restored the stability and the rule of law in Hong Kong, the SAR is now able to focus its attention, resources and efforts on development.

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With the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law of the HKSAR strengthening security, there is optimism for Hong Kong to pursue higher-quality development and higher-standard openness.