On Tuesday, Hong Kong marked a significant milestone with the unprecedented unanimous approval of a local national security bill by the city’s Legislative Council. The Basic Law’s Article 23 mandates that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall enact its own laws to fortify national security protection — a constitutional obligation unmet for 26 years.

The passing of the Article 23 legislation represents a pivotal moment for Hong Kong, heralding a new chapter for the city and igniting fresh hope for its youth. President Xi Jinping, in a significant address delivered in Hong Kong two years ago, underscored that the core intent of the “one country, two systems” framework is to preserve national sovereignty and security while maintaining Hong Kong’s long-term stability and prosperity. 

The local legislation of Article 23 stands as a concrete manifestation of this guiding principle. With the National Security Law for Hong Kong (NSL) promulgated in June 2020 addressing the immediate national security risks at that time, the passing of the Article 23 legislation further provides the HKSAR with a more comprehensive set of tools to address national security concerns, covering treason, insurrection, theft of State secrets and espionage, sabotage endangering national security, and external interference.

Efforts to implement Article 23 began 21 years ago, in 2003, but were impeded by anti-China forces. Subsequently, Hong Kong has navigated through treacherous waters, with its national security vulnerabilities leading to social unrest and economic instability. The city has been embroiled in political strife, from the unlawful “Occupy Central” campaign in 2014 to the black-clad “color revolution” in 2019.

The incessant political drama staged by political fanatics in Hong Kong has only served to consolidate public opinion in favor of the Article 23 legislation. In 2024, an overwhelming consensus emerged, with a remarkable 98.6 percent of respondents endorsing the local enactment of Article 23 during the consultation period. This reflects a consensual view for the legal measures that promise protection and progress.

Nonetheless, certain Western entities and their proxies have persisted in their attempts to derail the legislative process, demonizing Hong Kong’s commitment to national security. Their argument is riddled with hypocrisy and double standards, especially when one considers the extensive legislative frameworks in place in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, with 21 and 14 security laws respectively. The unsubstantiated attacks on the Article 23 legislation’s “expeditious passage” rings particularly hollow in light of the extremely rapid enactment of the US Patriot Act following the terrorist attacks in September 2001—a process involving only three days of congressional examination.  

The general public in Hong Kong has grown increasingly resistant to such political rhetoric and overt manipulation. The Western narratives have repeatedly failed to hinder the determination of Hong Kong society to bolster national security protection, particularly following the crucial year of 2020.

The NSL was a turning point, redirecting Hong Kong from political turmoil to social stability. Now, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance ushers in the transition from a secure and stable society to an economically prosperous international city. The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council has already signaled that with the resolution of national security concerns, several advantageous economic policies for Hong Kong are on the horizon. 

For the youth of Hong Kong, this legislative progress offers a beacon of hope.  

The importance of the Article 23 legislation extends beyond the immediate legal framework and economic benefits; it symbolizes a pledge to the youth of Hong Kong. The promise of a more secure, stable and prosperous future opens doors to opportunities previously obscured by the shadows of political unrest and uncertainty. The Article 23 legislation is not an end but a beginning — a foundation upon which Hong Kong can build a secure, vibrant and sustainable future that we all eagerly look forward to.

The author is a member of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Legislative Council, the UN Association of China, and the All-China Youth Federation.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.