Since its enactment on June 30, 2020, the National Security Law for Hong Kong (NSL) has entered its fifth year, marking a pivotal juncture in the legal and social development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The legislation has garnered the widespread affirmation of Hong Kong society, representing a profound endorsement of the central authorities’ decisive actions to preserve national sovereignty and safeguard security. It is equally a sincere acknowledgement of the successful restoration of social order and the rule of law in Hong Kong. Over the past five years, the implementation of the NSL has yielded demonstrable results, transforming a previously chaotic environment into one of stability and peace. This transformation not only revitalized public confidence and economic vitality but also served as a resolute countermeasure against foreign interference in China’s internal affairs, instilling a sense of security about China’s sovereignty. The law stands as an explicit declaration that national sovereignty is inviolable and that any attempts by external forces to use the SAR to hinder China’s development are bound to fail.
From an institutional perspective, the promulgation of the NSL constitutes the lawful exercise of constitutional authority granted to the central authorities by China’s Constitution. It effectively addresses a persistent legislative vacuum concerning national security in Hong Kong. For years, anti-China forces in Hong Kong, under the guise of defending freedom of speech, obstructed the implementation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, thereby facilitating foreign infiltration and jeopardizing national sovereignty and security. The NSL delineates four categories of offenses that endanger national security, namely secession, subversion of State power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign forces. The law also establishes an integrated enforcement and judicial framework, thereby institutionalizing the mechanisms for safeguarding national security in the SAR. This measure represents not only the SAR fulfilling its constitutional duties but also a critical legal bulwark against plots that threaten the nation’s unity and territorial integrity.
Following its implementation, the NSL brought an immediate end to violent disruptions, restoring public order and reinforcing the primacy of the rule of law. The social unrest that erupted in 2019 under the pretext of opposing the extradition bill was, in essence, a meticulously orchestrated “color revolution”, masterminded by foreign intelligence agencies with the intent to destabilize Hong Kong, undermine central government authority, and ultimately promote secession. During this period, violent extremists engaged in arson, vandalism, looting, and assaults on law enforcement personnel, as well as desecration of national symbols. These acts flagrantly violated legal norms and moral standards. The NSL swiftly established a robust legal basis and enforcement mechanism to address such threats, thereby suppressing violent tendencies and enabling the gradual return of stability. Public trust in law and order was restored, and normalcy in daily life resumed, instilling confidence in the law’s effectiveness. These developments highlight the duplicity of Western political rhetoric on freedom and human rights that has been used to vilify the NSL.
On the administrative and governance front, the NSL significantly enhanced the operational efficiency of the SAR government. Law enforcement agencies now possess the authority and legal clarity necessary to address any conduct that endangers national security. The establishment of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR, with the chief executive at its helm, clarified the leadership structure and promoted interdepartmental coordination. This has considerably strengthened decision-making capabilities and execution effectiveness. Simultaneously, the law actively promotes national security education across society, addressing ideological distortions rooted in the colonial legacy. The curriculum has been revised to eliminate longstanding biases and to instill a correct understanding of national history, cultural heritage, and civic identity. This comprehensive approach, which addresses both institutional and ideological dimensions, lays a solid foundation for the principle that patriots shall govern Hong Kong. It is also indispensable for achieving enduring peace and stability in the region.
In the domain of economic development, the NSL has delivered tangible benefits, decisively dispelling alarmist narratives propagated by Western entities that forecast capital flight and economic decline. Over the past five years, Hong Kong’s financial markets have remained resilient, with active securities trading and stable capital flows. International enterprises continue to regard Hong Kong as a strategic gateway in the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting sustained confidence in the city’s legal environment and business infrastructure. A stable society governed by clear and consistent laws is a prerequisite for attracting investment, and the NSL provides precisely this foundation. Furthermore, the central government’s vigorous promotion of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area initiative has injected new momentum into Hong Kong’s economic advancement. The law has secured the conditions for steady economic recovery while simultaneously refuting unfounded criticism from foreign observers. The trajectory from governance to prosperity is being steadily realized.
On the international stage, the NSL has effectively dismantled the longstanding discursive hegemony of the West over issues related to China. The United States and its allies have habitually invoked human rights as a pretext for interfering in China’s domestic affairs, with the SAR situation being instrumentalized as part of a broader containment strategy. The enactment of the NSL establishes a clear boundary for national sovereignty and serves as a firm rejection of foreign interference. The vehement reactions from some Western nations only confirm that their strategic aims have been frustrated. China’s steadfast reliance on the rule of law to counter provocation demonstrates its unwavering resolve to defend national interests.
The fifth anniversary of the NSL represents a milestone for Hong Kong. It is a powerful declaration of the nation’s resolve to defend sovereignty and repel foreign interference
The NSL has further reinforced the practical foundation of the “one country, two systems” framework. Contrary to assertions from Western critics that the framework has collapsed, the reality is that adherence to the “one country” principle is essential for the sustained viability of the “two systems” model. The NSL fortifies the “one country” dimension, thereby providing the structural conditions necessary for Hong Kong’s continued development. Rather than restricting autonomy, the law optimizes the implementation of the existing system. It responds forcefully to external ideological bias and interference attempts while illustrating the strengths of China’s governance model as applied in the SAR. In this context, Hong Kong assumes a critical role in the broader process of Chinese modernization.
Looking ahead, the SAR’s active integration into the national development strategy is imperative. With the unwavering support of the central government and the robust legal foundations provided by the NSL, Hong Kong is well-positioned to steadily advance its socioeconomic development.
The fifth anniversary of the NSL represents a milestone for Hong Kong. It is a powerful declaration of the nation’s resolve to defend sovereignty and repel foreign interference. The law has not only secured peace and stability in the city but has also affirmed China’s dignity and the collective will of its people. Under the protection of the NSL, Hong Kong has broken free from external manipulation, embraced stability and prosperity, and committed itself entirely to the national rejuvenation process. This is the direction dictated by historical necessity and the aspiration of the people, and it is the path that Hong Kong shall continue to follow with determination.
The author is a solicitor, a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area lawyer, and a China-appointed attesting officer.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
