CE welcomes and pledges full support and implementation of white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems"
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The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, warmly welcomes and fully supports the white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" published by the Central Government. He said that as the head of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and taking a leading role in the HKSAR's governance, he will lead and co-ordinate the executive authorities, the legislature and the judiciary of the HKSAR in implementing the content and requirements of the white paper, fully safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests.
The white paper stated that from conceiving the scientific proposal of "one country, two systems" to its full implementation as a policy, the Central Government has been consistent and resolute in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, and ensuring sustained prosperity and stability in Hong Kong. The white paper outlined five areas, including the unrelenting fight for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, the Central Government's fundamental responsibility for national security matters concerning Hong Kong, the HKSAR's achievements in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security, Hong Kong's transformation from disorder to stability and prosperity, and creating high-standard security for the high-quality development of the "one country, two systems" policy.
First, the white paper detailed how the fight for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong is an unrelenting one. Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the fight for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong had long focused on the local legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law. Due to the manipulation of anti-China agitators in Hong Kong and hostile external forces, the legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law was long stalled, creating destabilising opportunities for anti-China agitators in Hong Kong and hostile external forces. The turmoil in relation to the Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019 culminated in an attempted "colour revolution" in Hong Kong, leading to extreme violence and mutually destructive incidents with secessionist aims. It posed a grave challenge to the "one country, two systems" principle, severely undermined the constitutional order and the rule of law in Hong Kong, and ultimately endangered national sovereignty, security and development interests. It also exposed the legal loopholes and institutional deficiencies in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR.
Mr Lee said this part evoked his great emotions. He stated that for a prolonged period after Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the HKSAR had been unable to complete the local legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law due to the interference and sabotage by anti-China agitators in Hong Kong and external forces. These destructive forces colluded from within and outside, continuously challenging the bottom line of the "one country, two systems" principle by organising various subversive and destructive activities, including the "anti-national education" incident in 2012, the illegal "Occupy Central" movement in 2014, the "Mong Kok riot" in 2016, and the "black-clad violence" and Hong Kong's version of a "colour revolution" in 2019. During the period of "black-clad violence", rioters burned the national flag, defaced the national emblem, tore up copies of the Basic Law, stormed the Central Government Offices, the Legislative Council and offices of the Central Government in Hong Kong, and advocated "Hong Kong independence", wantonly attempting subversive and secessionist acts. The situation in Hong Kong was critical. Today, we have ended the violence and restored order in Hong Kong, and are on the journey from disorder to stability and prosperity. While we are making every effort to boost the economy, pursue development, undertake construction and improve people's livelihood, Hong Kong must remember that national security risks still exist among us and can arise all of a sudden. We must not forget the pain after the wound has healed, and we must not forget the traumatic experience and profound lessons of 2019.
Second, the white paper stated that the Central Government has the fundamental responsibility for national security matters concerning Hong Kong. Safeguarding national security falls within the purview of the Central Government. It is a common international practice without exception for central authorities to enact laws to safeguard national security. When the HKSAR, confronted with the most severe challenge to national security, found itself unable to enact relevant legislation on its own, the Central Government's exercise of its constitutional power to legislate for national security at the state level became both imperative and urgent. The formulation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, improvements to Hong Kong's electoral system, and other measures taken by the Central Government have effectively addressed both the symptoms and root causes of problems in Hong Kong, safeguarding national security and Hong Kong's constitutional order while suppressing destabilising forces. They have been instrumental in swiftly quelling riots and restoring order in Hong Kong, and represent a milestone in advancing the cause of "one country, two systems".
We support and are grateful for the Central Government's decisive act at a critical moment of Hong Kong, formulating the Hong Kong National Security Law at the state level for the HKSAR's promulgation and implementation locally. The Hong Kong National Security Law ended the state of defenselessness regarding national security that had persisted for over two decades since Hong Kong's return, and ended the "black-clad violence" prevailing in Hong Kong at the time. The HKSAR Government has been combatting acts and activities endangering national security with full force and in accordance with the law. As a result, order returned to the community, as the people of Hong Kong could return to work with peace of mind, students could attend classes normally again, and economic development got back on track.
Third, the white paper illustrated the HKSAR's achievements in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security. The white paper noted that since the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Chief Executive and the Government of the HKSAR have taken on their responsibilities and striven to deliver solid results in ensuring the Law's application. Hong Kong's executive authorities, legislature and judiciary have performed their respective functions to actively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for all acts and activities endangering national security, thereby further strengthening the shield of national security. The white paper stated that the HKSAR's historic completion of legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law has fulfilled the city's long-overdue constitutional responsibility. The HKSAR's law enforcement, prosecution and judicial authorities perform their duties scrupulously without fear, combatting offences endangering national security in accordance with the law. The HKSAR Government has continued to strengthen public education to enhance residents' awareness of national security.
In fact, the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law on June 30, 2020, resulted in the prompt cessation of violence and immediate restoration of order. The people of Hong Kong experienced first-hand the importance of safety and the value of social stability. Subsequently, on March 19, 2024, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance was passed unanimously by the Legislative Council and came into effect upon gazettal on March 23. The HKSAR successfully fulfilled its constitutional responsibility for enacting local legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law, finally accomplishing a historic mission that had been overdue for 26 years, eight months and 19 days. The Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance function as an integral whole to build a solid shield for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, effectively protecting the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law and providing a solid foundation for Hong Kong's security and development.
Fourth, the white paper stated that Hong Kong is progressing from disorder to stability and prosperity. The white paper stated that through the concerted efforts of the Central Government and the HKSAR, a historic transformation has been realised in safeguarding national security in Hong Kong with marked achievements. These efforts have safeguarded government security and enhanced governance efficiency, defended the dignity of the rule of law and restored social order, improved Hong Kong's business environment and brought stability, certainty and predictability to the market, and better guaranteed residents' rights and freedoms in accordance with the law and enhanced public well-being.
As has been proven by practice, under the auspices of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Hong Kong society is stable and prosperous, the normal lives and development of the people of Hong Kong are firmly guaranteed, and international rating agencies continue to give Hong Kong positive assessments. Hong Kong is consistently ranked the world's freest economy. It ranks third internationally as a global financial centre and in world competitiveness, and has returned to the global top 10 in talent competitiveness. Hong Kong also continues to be within the global top 10 in the safety index, and has garnered many other accolades. Safety brings stability, and stability fosters development. Hong Kong has embarked on a new journey from disorder to stability and prosperity, with boundless prospects ahead.
Fifth, the white paper laid down the practical requirements of creating high-standard security for the high-quality development of the "one country, two systems" policy. The white paper stated that on the new journey in the new era, the country must adhere to a holistic approach to national security as its guiding principle, accurately grasp the practical requirements of safeguarding national security under the framework of "one country, two systems", and unswervingly build a high level of security so as to ensure steady and sustained progress in the practice of "one country, two systems". It highlighted the importance of upholding the unity of the Central Government's fundamental responsibility and the HKSAR's constitutional responsibility, keeping the power of governing the HKSAR firmly in the hands of patriots, respecting and protecting human rights, safeguarding security under the rule of law, following a holistic approach to development and security, and safeguarding security with greater openness.
We are acutely aware that global changes of a scale not seen in a century are currently accelerating. With increasingly complex geopolitical situations, frequent regional conflicts and the emergence of unilateralism and protectionism, the unstable factors around the world are on the rise, and the national security risks facing Hong Kong are unpredictable. We must work under the guidance of a holistic approach to national security, firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, safeguarding of national security throughout the entire process of the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle. At the same time, we must continue to: fully implement the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", uphold and improve the executive-led system; respect and protect human rights, safeguard security under the rule of law, maintain Hong Kong's common law system and improve the HKSAR's legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security; follow a holistic approach to development and security, giving greater attention to the security of unconventional areas under the new circumstances; and safeguard security with greater openness, advancing high-standard opening up on the basis of a strong security foundation.
The HKSAR Government will, through various channels, continuously strengthen publicity and public education on the matter, lead and encourage all sectors of society to thoroughly study and better comprehend the white paper's important substance and requirements, and enhance citizens' sense of awareness on national security. The Government will hold a seminar on the white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems", and will upload the full text of the white paper to news.gov.hk and the Basic Law website. Mr Lee encouraged all sectors of the community, including political parties, associations and organisations, to hold study and exchange activities related to the white paper to deepen the awareness and correct understanding by the people of Hong Kong on the city's role in safeguarding national security, so they would safeguard national security of their own accord.
Security is the prerequisite for development, and development is the guarantee of security. The HKSAR Government will steadfastly safeguard national security and promote economic development. It is committed to advancing the high-quality development of the cause of "one country, two systems" under the auspices of high-level security, and to achieving high-level security through high-quality development, thereby providing better guarantees for social development and a better life for the people of Hong Kong.
Ends/Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:15
Issued at HKT 14:15
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