An academic seminar on "one country, two systems" was held in Beijing on Monday to mark the fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law.
Nearly 100 experts and scholars from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and countries including Britain, Portugal, and Malaysia participated in discussions reviewing the law’s impact and future prospects.
Participants hailed the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law as a milestone in the practice of "one country, two systems", crediting it with restoring stability and prosperity to Hong Kong. They emphasized that the law has provided a solid legal foundation for the long-term success of the principle.
Through extensive facts and data, attendees analyzed the law’s role in ending Hong Kong’s social turmoil, safeguarding national security, and fostering economic growth while protecting residents’ rights. They noted that the legislation has been pivotal in Hong Kong’s transition from chaos to governance and now toward greater prosperity.
"The Hong Kong National Security Law has safeguarded the development of the 'one country, two systems' principle, with Hong Kong's charm and vitality now greater than ever. Hong Kong's cherished rule of law has not just returned - it has emerged stronger than ever, shining brighter as the city's golden hallmark. The establishment of the International Organization for Mediation's headquarters in Hong Kong fully demonstrates the international community's trust and recognition of Hong Kong's common law system. With the National Security Law in place, Hong Kong's international competitiveness continues to grow stronger," said Zhang Haixing, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Research Institute, Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of Communist Party of China Central Committee.
Carmen Kan Wai-mun, member of the 7th Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region said that "Hong Kong's outstanding achievements have proven that the implementation of the National Security Law has not harmed the city's business environment. On the contrary, it has promoted sustained economic development on the path from governance to prosperity. With high-level security ensuring high-quality development, Hong Kong is demonstrating the strong vitality of the 'one country, two systems' principle."
While acknowledging progress, participants also stressed the need to strengthen the social and cultural foundations supporting national security, alongside legislative and enforcement measures, given the complex challenges that remain.
The seminar was hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
HK National Security Law ensures stability, prosperity: seminar
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
