The Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said on Tuesday the passage of the law on safeguarding national security in the HKSAR and its promulgation has started a new chapter in the enduring success of "one country, two systems."
The unanimous passage of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region after deliberation by the 20th session of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress, and the promulgation and implementation of the law in the HKSAR after being listed in Annex III of the Basic Law of the HKSAR, mark a significant step, a positive development and a joyous event in the practice of "one country, two systems", the commissioner's office said in a statement.
The commissioner's office welcomes it and pledges full support, said the statement released late Tuesday.
The statement pointed out that the central government bears the largest and the ultimate responsibility for safeguarding national security. Establishing and improving at the state level a legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR is a major measure to stay committed to and improve the "one country, two systems" framework, and a fundamental way to preserve Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.
It has highlighted the firm resolve of the central government to fully and faithfully implement "one country, two systems," it said.
The statement emphasized that the national security law for the HKSAR addresses the most imminent risks to national security in Hong Kong, targets the four categories of crimes including secession, subversion, terrorist activities, and collusion with a foreign country or external elements to endanger national security, and punishes a very small handful of criminals.
The legislation complies with the Constitution and the Basic Law the HKSAR, and with international common practices and the rule of law principles. It fully respects the high degree of autonomy of the HKSAR, fully safeguards Hong Kong residents' legitimate rights and freedoms, and is in line with people's will and the reality in Hong Kong, the statement said, adding that the majority of Hong Kong residents and members of the international community who uphold justice have welcomed the legislation.
Guarded by the law, Hong Kong will be more prosperous and stable, and "one country, two systems" will enjoy greater success, which will benefit the majority of Hong Kong residents and the international community, it said.
The statement reiterated that Hong Kong is part of China and its affairs are China's internal affairs.
"No one shall ever underestimate the determination of the Chinese government to uphold national sovereignty and security. Any attempt to disrupt or obstruct the implementation of the law will be firmly opposed by the 1.4 billion Chinese people, including our Hong Kong compatriots," it said.
The international community needs to play a constructive role in Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and the enduring success of "one country, two systems", it added.
