National security law ensures Hong Kong's security, stability: senior Chinese official

The law has filled a long-existing vacuum with regard to safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, says official

BEIJING:

The Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has proved to be a legislation that ensures Hong Kong's security, stability and tranquility, a senior Chinese official on Hong Kong affairs said Friday.

Addressing a high-level symposium marking the first anniversary of the enactment of the law, Xia Baolong, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, said the law's promulgation and enforcement have reversed the chaos in Hong Kong at one stroke.

"The law has filled a long-existing vacuum with regard to safeguarding national security in Hong Kong and crushed the 'color revolution' plot of the Hong Kong version," Xia said.

The law enabled Hong Kong to bid farewell to the turbulent situation and the city has gradually embraced stability, he said, adding that the HKSAR's governance order has also been restored and its governance environment improved.

With the national security law, the banner of loving the country and Hong Kong flies high, fully demonstrating social integrity, Xia said, noting that the law dealt a severe blow to the anti-China troublemakers in the city and helped to restore the dignity of rule of law in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's economy and financial sector remain strong, and the lies about Hong Kong's pessimism have been dispelled, he said, adding that international investors have been reassured by the national security law and the city's status as a financial center has not been tarnished at all.

Xia said that the confidence of Hong Kong society in "one country, two systems" has increased and the city has gained a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of it since the law took effect a year ago.

According to a poll, 71.9 percent of the respondents expressed increased confidence in the prospect of "one country, two systems."

Facts have shown that only by building a solid security foundation of "one country" can the "two systems" enjoy greater vitality and space, the well-being and interests of Hong Kong residents be effectively safeguarded, and the prosperity, stability and lasting peace of Hong Kong be ensured, Xia said.