Hong Kong took a significant step towards reinforcing its legal framework on national security as the Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government hosted the National Security Legal Forum on Saturday. The event, themed “Looking Back and Ahead, New Dawn for Development,” drew around 1,000 participants from various sectors of society.
The forum provided a platform for legal experts, government officials, and community representatives to share insights on critical national security issues. Discussions centered on the implementation and development of the jurisprudence of the national security law in Hong Kong, and the establishment of the “dual legislation and dual enforcement mechanism” as an institutional safeguard.
John Lee, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, highlighted the completion of the local legislation of Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law in March as a monumental milestone. “This marks an important step in Hong Kong’s new journey from stability to prosperity,” Lee stated. He emphasized that the national security law in Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance are complementary, enhancing the institutional advantages of the “dual legislation and dual enforcement mechanism.” This framework, he noted, establishes robust safeguards for maintaining security, stability, and promoting good governance in Hong Kong.
Zheng Yanxiong, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, observed that the implementation of the “dual legislation and dual enforcement mechanism” signifies a new stage in Hong Kong’s legal system. “It further polishes the golden brand of the rule of law in Hong Kong,” Zheng remarked. He underscored the mechanism’s role in ensuring quality development through high-level security and vice versa.
Dong Jingwei, Director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, stressed the importance of integrating the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance with the national security law in Hong Kong. “Only by combining these can the legal loopholes in safeguarding national security in Hong Kong be effectively plugged,” Dong said. He highlighted that this integration strengthens the responsibilities of both the central authorities and the HKSAR, maximizing the effectiveness of cracking down on and punishing crimes that endanger national security according to the law.
Cui Jianchun, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, reaffirmed the commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests. “We will help Hong Kong achieve deep integration of security and development at a higher level,” Cui asserted. He added that China’s diplomacy is prepared to work with other countries to address various security risks and challenges, striving to build a safer and better world.
Paul Lam, Secretary for Justice of the HKSAR government, emphasized the crucial importance of building confidence across all sectors in the laws safeguarding national security. He noted that these laws are enacted and implemented strictly in accordance with the rule of law principle and will have a positive interaction with Hong Kong’s future development.
The forum also featured discussions between HKSAR government officials and student representatives on how national security relates to daily life and the significant role of youth in safeguarding it. The engagement highlighted the community’s collective commitment to fostering a secure and prosperous future for Hong Kong.
