John Lee: Highest principle of 'one country, two systems' is safeguarding national security

On Monday (Nov. 28), the Court of Final Appeal (CFA), Hong Kong's top court, upheld a decision to allow former media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying to hire a British barrister as his counsel in his upcoming national security trial.

The Chief Executive, John Lee, met the media today afternoon and said he would sort out the relevant situation and submit a report to the Central People's Government as soon as possible.

The Central Authorities requested the Chief Executive to submit a report to the Central People's Government on implementing the National Security Law of Hong Kong and the HKSAR's performance in safeguarding national security. It also requested the SAR Government to convene a conference of the HKSAR's Committee on the Protection of National Security.

Lee stated that safeguarding the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests is the highest principle of the "one country, two systems" principle. According to Article 3 of the National Security Law of Hong Kong, the HKSAR has the constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security. The HKSAR's executive, legislative and judicial authorities shall effectively prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities that endanger national security. The HKSAR's position is clear and unwavering regarding safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, he added.