China's national legislature adopting a decision on the national security legislation for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ( HKSAR) makes the foundation for "one country, two systems" more solid and the future of Hong Kong brighter, a central government spokesperson said Thursday.
The spokesperson of the State Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office made the remarks while commenting on the decision adopted by the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) at its third annual session on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security.
The decision reinforces the institutional foundation for safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as guaranteeing the lasting prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, the spokesperson said.
Noting that the NPC decision authorizes the NPC Standing Committee to make laws to prevent, stop and punish acts that severely threaten national security, such as secessionist, subversive and terrorist activities and interference in the affairs of the HKSAR from foreign countries and external forces, the spokesperson said the legislation will effectively close the legal loopholes in the HKSAR with regard to safeguarding national security.
The spokesperson pointed out that legislation at the national level to safeguard national security in the HKSAR is a prudent decision by the central government based on the political developments in the HKSAR, targeting acts that severely threaten national security and interference in the affairs of the HKSAR from foreign countries and external forces, without impacting the law-based rights and freedoms enjoyed by the general public of Hong Kong.
The exercise of state legislative powers by the NPC and its Standing Committee to establish and improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security, in accordance with relevant provisions of the Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, is an important embodiment of law-based governance of the country and the HKSAR, added the spokesperson.
After the legislation completes, Hong Kong will welcome outside investors to a safer, more stable and more harmonious society and a sound business environment, while maintaining its status as a center of international finance, trade and shipping industries, the spokesperson said.
While the NPC was deliberating on the decision, people across China, including Hong Kong compatriots, expressed their eager expectations and firm support for the decision, the spokesperson said, noting that they conveyed the common aspiration of people across the country to oppose external interference and safeguard national security -- China's sovereignty brooks no challenge; its national security must be safeguarded.
