Hong Kong must cement its national security foundations to prosper

As a diplomat, I have travelled 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 a new 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.

  

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