HKMAO: HK national security law must be fully and accurately implemented

A spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council said today (Nov. 28), in accordance with the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Central People's Government recently issued an official request to HK Chief Executive John Lee, asking him to submit a report on the HKSAR's performance of its duty to safeguard national security, including the work of the region's Committee for Safeguarding National Security.

John Lee immediately organized implementation and reported to the HK community, indicating that he would submit a report to the Central Government as soon as possible, and at the same time put forward the proposal that the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) should interpret the relevant provisions of the national security law. 

Since the enactment of the law, the HKSAR has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security in accordance with the law and has achieved notable results, the spokesperson said.

However, great vigilance should be maintained against certain phenomena that have occurred recently in the handling of some cases in violation of the law on safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, particularly the case involving Jimmy Lai, the spokesperson noted.

Lai is suspected of colluding with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security. The Hong Kong court approved the representation of Lai by King's Counsel, which is contrary to the provisions of the law on safeguarding national security in the HKSAR that the executive authorities, legislature and judiciary of the region shall effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for any act or activity endangering national security in accordance with the law, said the spokesperson, noting that it also violates the legislative spirit and legal logic of the law.

The spokesman said the Chief Executive, as the head of the HKSAR and the Chairman of the HKSAR National Security Council, is accountable to the Central Government for the maintenance of national security in the HKSAR.

Submitting the report and making relevant recommendations in a timely manner in accordance with the instructions of the Central Government fully demonstrated John Lee's sense of responsibility as the head and the prime responsible person of the region, according to the spokesperson.

The Central Government fully supports the committee in performing its legally prescribed duties, exercising its statutory powers, and taking necessary measures in accordance with the law to prevent and defuse various risks and hidden dangers that threaten national security, the spokesperson said.

The spokesman concluded by stressing that safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the highest principle of the "one country, two systems" principle, and the Central Government is fundamentally responsible for the HKSAR national security.