Seminar on white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" held today (with photos/video)
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government held a seminar on the white paper titled "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" at the Central Government Offices this morning (February 14). The Chief Executive and the Chairman of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR, Mr John Lee; Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Deputy Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and National Security Adviser to the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR, Mr Zhou Ji; and Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Dong Jingwei, delivered speeches at the seminar. The HKSAR Government also invited former Director-General of the First Bureau of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Vice President of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies and Professor of the School of Law of Tsinghua University, Professor Wang Zhenmin; and former Vice-chairperson of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Dr Maria Tam, to deliver keynote speeches to provide an in-depth explanation of the essence and key viewpoints of the white paper. Attendees included Principal Officials of the HKSAR Government, members of the Executive Council, the Legislative Council and the Judiciary, as well as personnel of various offices of the Central People's Government (CPG) in Hong Kong.
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Seminar on white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" held today (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seminar on white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" held today (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seminar on white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" held today (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seminar on white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" held today (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seminar on white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" held today (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seminar on white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" held today (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seminar on white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" held today (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Source: AI-found images
Addressing the seminar, Mr Lee said that the white paper offers three important points of insight and understanding. First, the white paper offers guiding significance as an authoritative pronouncement to the HKSAR. It stated outright in its preface that the highest principle of fully, faithfully and resolutely implementing the policy of "one country, two systems" is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. It outlined five areas, including the unrelenting fight for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, the Central Government's fundamental responsibility for national security matters concerning Hong Kong, the HKSAR's achievements in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security, Hong Kong's transformation from disorder to stability and prosperity, and creating high-standard security for the high-quality development of the "one country, two systems" policy. The white paper has helped all to understand more clearly that the HKSAR has the constitutional responsibility of effectively safeguarding national security, and that the HKSAR Government and all sectors of the community should proactively implement the requirement.
Second, the white paper offers cautionary significance grounded in reality with its announcement at a critical point in time. The publication of the white paper at this important juncture carries the cautionary significance as a stark warning, reminding us that Hong Kong has once suffered from incessant political chaos because its national security defences were originally full of gaping loopholes. It was ultimately under the auspices of the HKSAR's legal system for safeguarding national security that our city achieved its transformation from disorder to stability and prosperity. We must draw on past experiences and lessons, always remain vigilant against national security risks, and safeguard national security in Hong Kong on all fronts.
Third, the white paper offers action-oriented significance for practical implementation by systematically detailing the six principles required in creating high-standard security for the high-quality development of the "one country, two systems" policy:
i. Upholding the unity of the Central Government's fundamental responsibility and the HKSAR's constitutional responsibility. Mr Lee said that we must safeguard national security throughout the entire process of the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle. As the head of the HKSAR and taking a leading role in the HKSAR's governance, he will lead and co-ordinate the executive authorities, the legislature and the judiciary of the HKSAR in actively preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for all acts and activities endangering national security. In safeguarding national security, the mechanism whereby the Central Authorities take a guiding role and the HKSAR assumes the principal responsibility is consistent with the principle of "one country, two systems", and constitutes a vivid manifestation of the unity between upholding the overall jurisdiction of the Central Authorities and ensuring a high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong.
ii. Keeping the power of governing the HKSAR firmly in the hands of patriots. Mr Lee said we must fully implement the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", uphold and improve the executive-led system, promote positive interactions between the executive authorities and the legislature, and continuously improve the governance efficiency of the HKSAR.
iii. Respecting and ensuring human rights. The Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) protect human rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents in accordance with the Basic Law and the relevant provisions of the international covenants applicable to Hong Kong. They protect law-abiding members of the public and ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle.
iv. Safeguarding security under the rule of law. Mr Lee said we must maintain Hong Kong's common law system and improve the HKSAR's legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security. The law enforcement agencies exercise their powers in strict accordance with legal provisions; the Department of Justice controls criminal prosecutions, free from any interference; and the Judiciary exercises its judicial power independently.
v. Following a holistic approach to development and security. Mr Lee highlighted the importance of advancing high-quality development under the auspices of high-standard security, and of achieving high-standard security through high-quality development. He said that greater attention should be given to security in unconventional areas such as finance, shipping, trade, and the protection of overseas interests.
vi. Safeguarding security with greater openness. Mr Lee said that it is important to advance high-level opening up under the protection of high-standard security. Mr Lee expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Central Authorities for the steadfast support to Hong Kong in establishing Hong Kong's high-standard security, preventing and defusing major risks and hidden challenges, extensively expanding the city's international connections, and maintaining its long-term prosperity and stability.
"National security is of utmost importance to every country. The stability and prosperity we enjoy today did not come easily, so we must treasure it all the more. I will continue to lead the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in safeguarding national security and promoting economic development under the guidance of the holistic approach to national security. We will uphold the six principles stipulated in the white paper in safeguarding national security under 'one country, two systems'. We will do our utmost to safeguard the country's sovereignty, security and development interests, and create high-standard securityfor the high-quality development of the 'one country, two systems' policy," Mr Lee said.
Mr Zhou said that the white paper is of great and profound significance in clearing up confusion and misunderstandings for building consensus, and consolidating Hong Kong's sound transition from disorder to stability and prosperity. He shared his insights in three areas: First, have a profound grasp of the historical logic behind Hong Kong's safeguarding of national security, and always adhere to the highest principle of "one country, two systems". He firmly believes that the HKSAR will adhere to the holistic approach to national security as its guiding principle, fully implement the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", and unswervingly build a high level of security so as to ensure the steady and sustained implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy. Second, have a profound grasp of the institutional logic behind Hong Kong's safeguarding of national security, and always effectively safeguard national security under the rule of law. He believes that the HKSAR will uphold and strengthen the executive-led system, continuously enhance the efficiency of ruling by law as well as the capability and standard in safeguarding national security. Third, have a profound grasp of the practical logic behind Hong Kong's safeguarding of national security, and continuously implement the high-standard security for the high-quality development of "one country, two systems". He strongly believes that the HKSAR will better co-ordinate development and security, openness and security, as well as traditional and non-traditional security. The HKSAR will proactively align with the 15th Five-Year Plan with a view to continuously cultivating new drivers and advantages for Hong Kong's development, and thereby safeguarding the new development pattern with a new security framework.
Mr Dong said it is of great significance that the CPG issued the white paper at the critical juncture of the inaugural year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, a pivotal year for Hong Kong to take new strides in its transition from stability to prosperity. It also coincides with a pivotal moment in history when the landmark national security case in Hong Kong - the conviction and sentencing of Lai Chee-ying - was concluded according to law. It shows the great achievement where the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with President Xi Jinping at its core has fully, faithfully, and resolutely upheld the policy of "one country, two systems", showcasing the new bright future of the city entering a new stage of progressing from disorder to stability and prosperity. With an unrelenting fight for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, the CPG has always prioritised the safeguarding of national security in matters pertaining to Hong Kong. With security as its safeguard, the "one country, two systems" principle is being upheld and improved for its steady and sustained implementation. The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in HKSAR will, as always, steadfastly perform its duties according to law, practise the rule of law for national security, earnestly fulfil its functional role, and fully support the HKSAR in comprehensively and accurately implementing Hong Kong's national security laws. It will resolutely prevent and combat interference and sabotage by external forces, and work hand in hand with all sectors of Hong Kong, moving forward together to jointly safeguard national security, protect Hong Kong's stability, protect the well-being of its citizens, and strive to write a new chapter in the successful implementation of "one country, two systems".
In his keynote speech, Professor Wang explained why the CPG issued the white paper, its main content and underlying principles, and how to effectively utilise the white paper to safeguard the high-quality development of the "one country, two systems" policy under high standard of security. He emphasised that the purpose of issuing the white paper is to review Hong Kong's endeavours in safeguarding national security as well as the experience and insights gained in the process, and also to clear up confusion and misunderstandings surrounding the issue to build consensus, and to ensure the high-quality development of the principle of "one country, two systems" with high-standard security. The white paper is, in essence, a comprehensive summary and systematic review of the history of the country's efforts to safeguard national security in Hong Kong, focusing on a phased summary of major events, significant actions, and key achievements in safeguarding national security in Hong Kong since 2020, and declaring the CPG's principled stance on this critical issue.
Citing the white paper, Professor Wang said national security is often taken for granted like air and sunshine, yet cannot be lived without. Safeguarding national security is a responsibility shared by all members of society; everyone is a stakeholder and beneficiary, and no one can be a mere spectator. He explained in depth the fifth part of the white paper: "Creating High-Standard Security for High-Quality Development of the One Country, Two Systems Policy" and the practical rules and specific requirements for maintaining national security in six aspects, namely the six "principles of persistence". He particularly highlighted that Hong Kong should maintain security while remaining open. He stated that as a key hub connecting the world's second-largest economy with the global economic system, safeguarding national security in Hong Kong means protecting the security of global industrial, supply, and capital chains, safeguarding international economic and financial security, and upholding the basic order of economic globalisation. In a highly internationalised environment, Hong Kong must unwaveringly safeguard national security while steadfastly remaining open, ensuring security through openness and promoting openness with security. He believes that the white paper conveys many important messages, including that "investors can rest assured that Hong Kong will not descend into chaos again. It ensures both security and development, maintains vitality and freedom, preserves its capitalist system and way of life unchanged over the long term, strictly protects private property, and continues to possess the world's fairest, most open, and most vibrant business environment."
He suggested combining the study of the white paper with the study of the Constitution, the Basic Law, and the national security law, to deeply grasp the essence and principles of the white paper. He stressed the importance of persisting in safeguarding national security according to the law to ensure the steady and sustained implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy, thereby contributing to and enhancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
In her keynote address, Dr Tam said that the white paper is rich in content and packed with information. She offered her interpretation of four areas that particularly resonated with her: (1) Hong Kong's responsibility to safeguard national security under the constitutional framework; (2) the necessity of the HKNSL and the SNSO, as well as their innovative compatibility with the "one country, two systems" policy; (3) the legalisation and institutionalisation of the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong"; and (4) providing high-standard national security safeguards for high-quality productive forces.She pointed out that the Central Authorities and the HKSAR worked together to quell the turmoil of the black-clad violence in 2019, the Hong Kong version of a "colour revolution". The enactment of the HKNSL and the SNSO, she said, marked a historic milestone in building a robust legal bulwark for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong and in establishing a national security framework under the "one country, two systems" principle. She also highlighted the achievements of enshrining the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" into law and improving the city's electoral system. She agreed to the white paper that the HKNSL established for the first time the national security mechanism at both the central and HKSAR levels, clearly defining the authority and decision-making powers of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR. She stressed that Hong Kong is an inseparable part of China and shares a common destiny with the Mainland. The HKSAR, she emphasised, must be guided by a holistic approach to national security to ensure that Hong Kong does not become a city that endangers national security.
The HKSAR Government will continue, through various channels, to encourage all sectors of society - including political parties, associations, and organisations - to organise study and exchange activities to conscientiously learn and grasp the core principles and directives of the white paper, deepen public awareness and the correct understanding of safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, consciously uphold national security, and make greater contributions to building China into a strong modern country and advancing the great cause of national rejuvenation.
Seminar on white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" held today (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seminar on white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" held today (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seminar on white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" held today (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seminar on white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" held today (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seminar on white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" held today (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seminar on white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" held today (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seminar on white paper on "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" held today (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Source: AI-found images
