National security is as essential as air and sunshine, yet too often is mistakenly taken for granted, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok said on Wednesday at the National Security Legal Forum 2026, stressing the need for a proper and sufficient understanding of the fundamental principles that Hong Kong follows in safeguarding national security.

The forum, held on the nation’s 11th National Security Education Day, gathered legal officials, scholars and lawmakers to discuss the white paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”, the third such document issued by the central government on Hong Kong affairs.

In his opening remarks, Lam said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region does not pursue “absolute” or “generalized” security. Instead, China pursues “relative security”, a concept enshrined in the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

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“It is vital to note that it says, ‘relatively free from danger and internal or external threats’, but not ‘absolutely free’”, Lam said, adding that pursuing “absolute security” would stifle development and violate the fundamental principle of peaceful coexistence under international law.

He urged the public to acquire a proper and sufficient understanding of the fundamental principles Hong Kong follows in safeguarding national security, so that relevant laws will be accepted and followed voluntarily out of genuine conviction.

Lam also cited the white paper saying that security is a prerequisite for development, while development guarantees security.

“We strive to strike a dynamic balance between development and security so that the two reinforce each other,” he said.

Lam added that Hong Kong will continue to employ judges from other common law jurisdictions, allow foreign lawyers to practice, and protect the lawful rights of investors equally.

Wang Zhenmin, vice-president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, used the forum to counter persistent Western criticism.

The legal professor said that since the NSL took effect on June 30, 2020, some Western politicians and media have deliberately spread falsehoods, accusing the law of violating “one country, two systems” and human rights.

Wang detailed that as of January 2026, 98 people have been prosecuted under the NSL, with 78 convicted and a maximum sentence of 20 years handed down. By contrast, he noted, the 2011 London riots saw 2,138 people convicted with sentences of up to 30 years, and the 2021 US Capitol riot led to 1,126 convictions with sentences of up to 22 years.

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“These figures show Hong Kong’s approach is targeted and law‑based, protecting the vast majority,” he said.

Wang underscored the six fundamental principles listed in the document, including that safeguarding national security is the common responsibility of both the central and SAR governments, and that Hong Kong pursues “open security” that protects global supply chains and the international financial system.

The forum featured two panel sessions where experts and scholars focused their discussions on Hong Kong’s practical experience and insights gained in safeguarding national security, aiming to deepen public awareness and correct understanding of Hong Kong’s efforts in protecting national security.

Lawmaker Carmen Kan Wai-mun highlighted Hong Kong’s three legislative exercises since 2025, including subsidiary legislation under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance to implement NSL provisions, amendments to Prison Rules strengthening correctional security while protecting prisoners’ rights, and amendments to NSL implementation rules — notably enabling investigation officers to require device passwords from suspects, subject to judicial authorization.

Kan compared Hong Kong’s safeguards to similar laws in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States, stressing that the judiciary continues to function as a gatekeeper.

She added that Hong Kong has been resolutely fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security by continuously forming a comprehensive legal framework.

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Anthony Chau Tin-hang, deputy director of public prosecutions of the Department of Justice, shared insights from recent landmark national security cases, and said that the courts strictly adhere to common law principles when handling relevant cases, while also safeguarding people’s rights and freedoms.

A law professor at the University of Hong Kong, Grenville Cross, said that both the NSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance explicitly include provisions protecting human rights, whereas relevant legislation in places such as the UK makes no mention of them whatsoever.

Closing the forum, Deputy Secretary for Justice Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan said that this year marks the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), and the white paper holds significant guiding value.

He called on all sectors of society to jointly uphold a safe and stable environment in Hong Kong. Citing the white paper, he emphasised that stability and peace, the rule of law and civility, as well as unity and vitality, are the core values that Hong Kong must value.

Contact the writer at gangwen@chinadailyhk.com