On Dec. 3, Cui Jianchun, Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, published an article elaborating on the dialectical and unified relationship between development and security, emphasizing that legislation on national security is an important safeguard and basic prerequisite for Hong Kong's prosperity and development, and firmly refuting the untruthful allegations made by external forces on the adjudication of the HKSAR's national security cases and the rule of law in business environment. It also reminded the Hong Kong community to be vigilant against the risk of external interference, to guard the bottom line of security, and to insist on high security to safeguard Hong Kong's high-quality development.
The full text is as follows:
As a diplomat, I have traveled to many places – from the European continent to the deserts of the Middle East, from the rainforests of South America to the northern shores of the Gulf of Guinea. I have witnessed rapid economic growth in peaceful countries, and also the devastation wrought by turmoil and conflict.
What I saw points to a profound but simple truth: the stability or disarray, prosperity or poverty of a nation are intricately tied to the state of its security.
Seven months ago, I took up my post in Hong Kong. If we liken the city to a book, I have spent each day during that time studying its pages, from which I heard Hong Kong's anguished cries during its colonial occupation. At the same time, I was deeply inspired by its Lion Rock spirit of resilience and determination.
Despite all the challenges and hardships, the city continues to shine brightly. Today, Hong Kong brims with a new vigour and vitality in a secure environment where the rule of law and its spirit is upheld. The Hong Kong government, together with various sectors of society, is making concerted efforts to unleash the immense creativity and development potential here, drafting anew chapter of "one country, two systems".As a Chinese saying suggests, "nothing is more beneficial than stability, and nothing is more detrimental than turmoil". The 2019 turbulence in Hong Kong serves as a stark reminder that prosperity without security is as fragile as a bubble.
Hong Kong's national security law, implemented in 2020, aims to uphold justice and restore peace, and creates a renewed sense of safety and opportunity for residents and foreign investors. The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, passed earlier this year, further consolidates Hong Kong's legal framework for protecting national security, laying a more solid foundation for development.
Hong Kong citizens have come to realize that these two laws effectively bring stability, and their initial speculation surrounding the legislation has gradually transformed into welcome and support. The transition from chaos to stability and prosperity is a significant achievement, one that is hard won and must be cherished and preserved by all.
In the face of risks to Hong Kong's development, we must remain vigilant. To this day, the United States and other external forces have not given up on the delusion that they can use Hong Kong to contain China.
They have criticized the court trial ofJimmy Lai Chee-ying and thesentencing of 45defendants convicted of conspiracy to commit subversion, attempted to injure the reputation of Hong Kong's rule of law, and threatened new visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials. These moves seriously interfere with Hong Kong's judicial process, trample on the spirit of the rule of law and violate the international legal principle of non-interference.
Strengthening the foundations of national security is not about imposing a tight rein; rather, it is about building a solid, protective wall because no one wants to live in a house full of leaks.
Countries around the world are making efforts to enhance their national security. For example, in June, Canada passed the stringentCountering Foreign Interference Act; in July last year, the United Kingdom passed the broad National Security Act; and Australia has also tightened its national security framework over the years, ramping up risk prevention measures and strengthening enforcement powers.
Over the past seven months, I have met more than 60 foreign consuls general in Hong Kong. None has argued against the right of Hong Kong to enact national security legislation or denied the effectiveness of the national security law and Safeguarding National Security Ordinance in restoring stability. They all agree that national security legislation is essential for every nation and region.
National security is the bedrock of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and social stability is a prerequisite in building a strong and prosperous China. The third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party emphasized that "national security provides a pivotal foundation for ensuring steady and sustained progress in Chinese modernization", that China "must fully apply a holistic approach to national security" and "improve the institutions and mechanisms for safeguarding national security".
To keep its unique strengths and global competitiveness, Hong Kong needs to continue to improve its national security framework, build its capability for safeguarding national security and enhance residents' national security awareness. Only by building a strong security foundation through legal means and pursuing high-quality development based on a high standard of security can the success of one country, two systems be ensured in the long run.
(Source: SCMP)
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