By Robert Lee
The white paper "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" was released by the State Council Information Office on Tuesday. It highlights how Hong Kong has effectively fulfilled its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security and reviewed the historic achievements and transformative changes made in this process.
The white paper elaborates on the Central Government's resolute stance in safeguarding China's national sovereignty, security and development interest and that the struggle to safeguard national security in Hong Kong has never ceased.The enactment and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) in Hong Kong is a major milestone in the practice of "One Country, Two Systems".
Prior to the implementation of HKNSL in 2020, Hong Kong faced a severe vulnerability in its legal system in safeguarding national security. Article 23 of the Basic Law could not be enacted due to various obstacles, leading to social unrest. Most notably in 2019, violent riots broke out and calls were made to overthrow the HKSAR government.
Reflecting on the unprecedented crisis in 2019, it severely damaged Hong Kong's reputation and its role as an international financial center. Businesses could not operate as usual and travelers cancelled their visits to Hong Kong. The Central Government subsequently introduced the National Security Law (NSL) to restore order and rule of law in Hong Kong bringing about political, economic and social stability. Furthermore, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance was unanimously passed by the Legislative Council on March 19, 2024. It has taken effect upon gazettal on March 23, 2024.
As we transition from chaos to stability, Hong Kong has seen its local economy maintain steady growth. The business environment has significantly improved, continuing to attract global investors. Hong Kong's GDP continued to expand, exceeding HK$3 trillion in 2024 and recording a real-term increase of 3.5% in 2025. It again topped the world in economic freedom, ranked third globally in the Global Financial Centres Index, reclaimed its position among the top three in global competitiveness rankings and recorded a significant improvement in its talent ranking, rising to fourth place globally and first in Asia. Thanks to the support from the Central Government—including five measures introduced by the China Securities Regulatory Commission—Hong Kong's capital market has thrived. In 2025, the Hang Seng Index rose by 27.8%, the average daily turnover increased 90%, while the IPOs on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange tripled year-on-year, ranking first globally. Meanwhile, the HKSAR Government announced plans to build an international gold trading market and promote commodity trading. These initiatives have further strengthened Hong Kong's role as an international financial center.
The white paper also emphasizes that safeguarding national security in Hong Kong provides a secure and open environment. Backed by the motherland and connecting the world, Hong Kong maintains its long-term status as a free port and implementing a zero-tariff policy. It remains one of the world's most liberal and open economies and as a pivotal link between the world's second largest economy and the global economy. As such, safeguarding national security in Hong Kong means safeguarding the security of global industrial, supply and capital chains, international economic and financial security and the basic order of economic globalization.
On the basis of a strong security foundation, Hong Kong will advance high-standard opening up to ensure a more liberal and open business environment, a more dynamic and resilient capital market, and seamless flow of capital, personnel, goods, data, and other factors of production. International exchanges and cooperation should be broadened and deepened, so that Hong Kong's international influence and competitiveness continue to rise.
To conclude, the white paper's declaration of the Central Government's stance and practices on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong and its guidance on how Hong Kong can handle development and security. I believe that people from all sectors of society will cherish this hard-won stability, fully support the governance of the nation and the Hong Kong SAR Government, actively align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, leverage the advantages of "one country, two systems," and work together for the well-being of the community.
Robert Lee is a Member of the Legislative Council, HKSAR.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
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