【One Year Since the Enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance: Building a Foundation of Security, Promoting Hong Kong's Prosperity】

Yesterday marked the first anniversary of the official gazettal and enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. This legislation, implemented on March 23rd of last year, signifies the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's (HKSAR) successful completion of the historic task stipulated in Article 23 of the Basic Law nearly 27 years after its return to the mainland. The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong reposted a commentary article from the Ministry of State Security , which stated that the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance complement each other, laying a solid security foundation for Hong Kong's high-quality development. They treat national security as the "ballast stone" of development, effectively unleashing economic vitality and polishing the "gold signboard" of an international financial center.

The article, titled "National Security Ensures Hong Kong's Security; National Security Ensures Family's Security" , emphasized that on March 19th of last year, the Hong Kong Legislative Council unanimously passed the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which came into effect on the 23rd. Over the past year, under the protection of national security laws, Hong Kong has demonstrated a new atmosphere of transitioning from stability to prosperity. The certainty of the rule of law and social stability have increased, attracting international investors to cast their votes of confidence with real money. Hong Kong's ranking as an international financial center has returned to third globally, its world competitiveness has risen to fifth, and its talent competitiveness has returned to the top ten. It has once again been rated as the world's freest economy, fully demonstrating that a stable social environment is the cornerstone of economic prosperity.

The article pointed out that safeguarding national security means safeguarding "One Country, Two Systems" and maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. Only by building a solid national security bottom line with the rule of law can Hong Kong better play the role of "super-connector" and "super value-adder" , connect with major national strategies, and unleash development momentum. In the past year, social creativity and vitality have been fully unleashed. International institutions are optimistic about Hong Kong's prospects, and multiple ranking upgrades have confirmed that it is still a "paradise for entrepreneurs and a land of dreams" .

Secretary for Justice of the HKSAR Government, Paul Lam, stated that the implementation of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance for one year marks a crucial step for Hong Kong in safeguarding national security. He emphasized that the law targets a very small number of acts endangering national security, and the lives of ordinary citizens, business activities, and international exchanges have not been affected. The earlier concerns of some people have been proven unnecessary. Lam pointed out that the ordinance is compatible and complementary with the Hong Kong National Security Law and related laws, providing a stable environment for Hong Kong and allowing the HKSAR government to focus on economic and livelihood development. He stated that safeguarding national security is a continuous constitutional responsibility, and the Department of Justice will continue to improve the law and apply it in accordance with the law to ensure Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

Secretary for Security, Tang Ping-keung , also stated that national security is a prerequisite for development. With the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law in 2020 and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance taking effect last year, Hong Kong's national security legal system has been continuously improved. The two laws are integrated and build a solid security defense line. He mentioned that Hong Kong's business environment has continued to improve, international capital and investor confidence have increased, and its position in finance, trade, and shipping has been further consolidated. This year marks the tenth "National Security Education Day" and the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. The Security Bureau will launch a series of activities in conjunction with the disciplined services, including thematic exhibitions, the publication of national security comic books, flag-raising ceremonies, and academic challenges, to enhance public understanding of national security.

Tang Ping-keung emphasized that Hong Kong is moving towards a state of governance and prosperity, focusing on economic development and planning for the future. The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance not only safeguards national security but also protects the rights and freedoms of residents, providing institutional guarantees for the steady and long-term implementation of "One Country, Two Systems." On the occasion of the first anniversary, Hong Kong welcomes development opportunities with a more open attitude, and national security and the rule of law have become a solid backing for prosperity and stability.