From Turbulence to Stability: The Fifth Anniversary of the Hong Kong National Security Law

Virginia Lee, Solicitor

Since its enactment on 30 June 2020, the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) has marked a turning point in the legal and social development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The law has received broad approval across various sectors of society, reflecting recognition of the Central Government’s efforts to uphold national sovereignty and ensure public order. Over the past five years, the NSL has produced tangible outcomes, reversing the instability that plagued the city and restoring confidence in governance and economic activity. It has also served as a strategic response to external interference, reinforcing national unity.

Legally, the NSL represents a legitimate exercise of constitutional authority by the Central Government, addressing a longstanding gap in national security legislation following Hong Kong's return to China. The law defines four offences that threaten national security: secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. It also establishes a comprehensive enforcement and judicial structure, thereby institutionalising mechanisms for maintaining national security. This development fulfils constitutional obligations and strengthens defences against threats to state integrity.

The law played a critical role in curbing the violent unrest of 2019, which was orchestrated under the cover of opposing an extradition bill but was a foreign-supported attempt to de-stabilise Hong Kong. Acts of vandalism, arson, and attacks on law enforcement were widespread. The NSL provided the legal tools necessary to suppress these activities and restore public order, thereby returning stability to daily life and highlighting the law's effectiveness. It also exposed the contradictory nature of Western narratives on human rights, which were used to justify interference in China's internal affairs.

Administratively, the NSL enhanced the operational capacity of the Hong Kong government. Law enforcement agencies now operate with greater clarity and authority. The establishment of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security, under the leadership of the Chief Executive, enhanced coordination and decision-making. The law also introduced national security education, reforming curricula to counteract historical distortions and foster a stronger civic identity. These measures support the principle that Hong Kong should be governed by those loyal to the country, laying the groundwork for lasting peace and stability.

Economically, the NSL has disproven Western predictions of decline. Hong Kong's financial markets have remained strong, with steady capital flows and continued interest from foreign investors. The law created a stable legal environment essential for business confidence. Furthermore, integration with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has stimulated economic growth. The NSL has thus contributed to both recovery and sustained development, countering unfounded external criticism.

On the international front, the NSL has challenged Western dominance in narratives regarding China. Western powers have long employed the rhetoric of human rights to intervene in Chinese affairs, with Hong Kong serving as a focal point. The legislation draws a firm line against such interference and has forced a reassessment of China's approach to governance. It demonstrates China's commitment to sovereignty and lawful conduct in the face of external provocation.

The NSL has also reinforced the "One Country, Two Systems" framework by strengthening the national component essential to its viability. Rather than diminishing autonomy, the law has provided the structural conditions necessary for Hong Kong’s continued progress. It counters ideological bias and showcases the effectiveness of China's governance model. As part of China's broader modernisation efforts, Hong Kong plays a vital role in national development.

Looking forward, Hong Kong must reject uncritical acceptance of Western-defined values and fully integrate into national development strategies. With the support of the Central Government and the legal safeguards provided by the NSL, Hong Kong is poised for sustained advancement. The fifth anniversary of the NSL marks a milestone in Hong Kong’s journey from disorder to stability and from instability to prosperity.

Virginia Lee

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Virginia Lee, Solicitor

The establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong marks a significant development in international dispute resolution and illustrates China’s commitment to peaceful conflict settlement. Amid growing dissatisfaction with traditional adjudicative mechanisms and rising geopolitical tensions, IOMed offers a timely and structured alternative rooted in mediation, complementing rather than replacing existing forums.

Hong Kong’s selection as IOMed’s headquarters is a strategic decision grounded in the city’s robust legal infrastructure. Its common law system, bilingual judiciary, and established arbitration institutions have positioned it as a global centre for legal services. The 2021 Queen Mary University of London Arbitration Survey ranked Hong Kong among the top three preferred seats for arbitration. The government’s HK$460 million investment in the organisation’s headquarters reflects a broader commitment to consolidating the city’s role as a legal hub, aligning with China’s 14th Five-Year Plan.

IOMed responds directly to the shortcomings of the investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS) regime, which has drawn criticism for its high costs, extended timelines, and perceived partiality. Mediation offers a consensual, cost-effective, and faster alternative. The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Working Group III has recognised the need to institutionalise mediation, and IOMed answers this call by providing a formal, multilateral platform for resolving international disputes through dialogue.

China’s leadership in establishing IOMed reflects its diplomatic approach centred on peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. Mediation aligns with Chinese legal traditions and international positions, particularly Article 33 of the UN Charter, which endorses mediation as a preferred method for peaceful dispute resolution. Demonstrating the importance Beijing places on the initiative, China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, will visit Hong Kong next Friday to attend a ceremony linked to the mediation organisation established in the city with Beijing’s backing. This high-level engagement underscores the central government’s endorsement of IOMed as a pillar of China’s international legal strategy.

The Convention on the Establishment of IOMed, set to be signed in Hong Kong, is a pioneering legal instrument. It will be the first to create an intergovernmental organisation specifically for mediation. The involvement of nearly 60 states across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe, and over 20 international institutions, including the UN, reflects broad-based support. This inclusivity enhances the legitimacy of IOMed and signals a shift toward a more balanced international legal order.

Hong Kong’s role is emblematic of its continued relevance under the “one country, two systems” framework. Far from eroding the city’s legal autonomy, IOMed’s presence highlights its capacity to bridge legal traditions and foster international cooperation. It also reinforces China’s soft power by offering an effective, non-coercive alternative to Western-led institutions, particularly for developing nations seeking equitable participation in global legal processes.

IOMed represents a forward-looking contribution to international legal diplomacy. It institutionalises mediation, strengthens the UN framework, and empowers states historically sidelined in global dispute resolution. China’s initiative reflects a pragmatic and principled leadership style, aiming not to displace existing systems but to enhance them through constructive reform and a commitment to global peace.