Xinhua Commentary: Ensuring high-quality development of One Country, Two Systems with high-standard security

BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The white paper titled "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" is of far-reaching significance in ensuring high-quality development of the One Country, Two Systems policy with high-standard security.

The document, released on Tuesday by the State Council Information Office, provides a review of Hong Kong's endeavors in safeguarding national security as well as the experience and insights gained in this process.

Following Hong Kong's return to China in 1997, a delay in completing legislation required by Article 23 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) left significant loopholes in Hong Kong's system of laws regarding national security.

Under the guise of pursuing democracy, freedom and human rights, agitators and external anti-China forces exploited these deficiencies and intensified sabotage, openly challenging the One Country, Two Systems principle. The 2019 turmoil in Hong Kong, characterized by extreme violence and destructive incidents sparked by secessionist aims, inflicted so much damage on the region, imperiled China's security, and posed the greatest challenge for the One Country, Two Systems practice.

In response to the turmoil, the central government introduced a series of decisive measures, including reinforcing the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, improving the region's electoral system and governance, and implementing the principle of patriots administering Hong Kong. These measures effectively put an end to the chaos and ushered in a new period in safeguarding national security in Hong Kong.

Through the concerted efforts of both the central government and the HKSAR, a historic transformation has been realized in safeguarding national security in the region with marked achievements. Bidding farewell to disorder, the region has entered a new phase of stability and prosperity.

Safeguarding national security is a long-term and enduring task. Hong Kong continues to face a complex situation in safeguarding national security. It is key to adhere to a holistic approach to national security as a guiding principle, while unswervingly building a high level of security, so as to ensure steady and sustained progress in the One Country, Two Systems practice.

A safe Hong Kong that is free, developed, open and vibrant aligns fully with the One Country, Two Systems policy, serves China's fundamental interests, benefits Hong Kong's 7.5 million residents, and meets the interests of all investors. Any attempt to destabilize Hong Kong or use it to contain China will never prevail in a Hong Kong now anchored by effective laws and shielded by the endeavors of the central government and the HKSAR to sustain a robust security framework. ■