SCMP published an opinion piece by Chris Tang Ping-keung titled “Opinion | Criticism of Hong Kong’s economy and rule of law is baseless”. In the article, Tang argues that recent criticism—made by what he calls a “so-called Hong Kong expert”—of Hong Kong’s economic development and its national security work is not supported by facts, and he says the HKSAR government is right to reject those claims.
Tang writes that since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the livelihoods of Hong Kong residents and the business environment have steadily improved, while the economy has continued to reach new highs. He says attempts to “smear” Hong Kong rely on untruths and that a basic fact-check would show the city has emerged stronger.
On business confidence, he cites an annual survey saying the number of foreign- and mainland-affiliated companies in Hong Kong rose to 11,070 in 2025, up 11% year on year and a record high for firms with parent companies outside Hong Kong. He adds that these companies employed nearly 510,000 people, up 3% from 2024, and describes these figures as a vote of confidence from businesses and entrepreneurs. He argues foreign businesses should not be concerned and should welcome national security laws, which he says provide a safer and more stable environment for investment and development.
Tang also rejects claims that Hong Kong’s freedoms are under threat. He says rights and freedoms are protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, and notes that both national security laws explicitly require human rights to be respected and protected. He adds that freedoms such as the press, speech, and publication are protected in law, while emphasising that these freedoms are not absolute and that the media, like everyone else, must comply with the law.
Regarding enforcement and the judiciary, Tang says law enforcement actions are based on evidence and carried out strictly according to the law, without regard to political stance, background, or occupation. He argues Hong Kong’s rule of law remains robust and that the judiciary continues to exercise its powers independently. He denies accusations that courts face political pressure in national security cases—or any cases—and cites the American Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 survey, which he says found 94% of respondents were confident in Hong Kong’s rule of law, up from 83% in 2025.
Finally, Tang maintains that Hong Kong will continue to safeguard national security while also protecting the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people in accordance with the law.
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