This year, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s celebration of its 28th anniversary coincided with the five-year mark of the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law (NSL). At first glance, these two events may seem unrelated, but in reality, everyone knows they are in all senses connected. The NSL shaped Hong Kong as it is today. Although those five years have passed, memories of that tumultuous time remain fresh.

Remember how Hong Kong found itself trapped in chaos, with violence tearing through the city and with its prosperity and stability at stake. The riots were unimaginable in a peaceful city like Hong Kong. On the surface, it was just violence, but deep down, it’s now crystal clear that the unrest was rooted in populist politics and a series of political plots. Malicious politicians and the forces behind them made every effort to fuel hatred, instigate confrontation, and provoke violence through a torrent of lies and incitement. The extreme situation highlighted the severe and destructive nature of a real national security crisis that was happening in our city. Hong Kong was pushed toward an abyss of no return. That was also why many feared the city was on the brink of irreversible decline.

Hong Kong was fortunate enough not to face this crisis alone. The central authorities took resolute action to quell the chaos and restore quality governance in the SAR through the implementation of the NSL, and further advanced the cause through electoral reforms.

READ MORE: Officials: HK advancing from stability to prosperity with NSL

It was a tough decision. At the time, critics accused the central government of exercising “excessive” control over Hong Kong and depicted the reforms as a “democratic regression”. Doomsayers even prophesied that Hong Kong’s competitive edge would collapse.

Yet, five years later, the answer is clear. In the 2025 World Competitiveness Yearbook published by the International Institute for Management Development, Hong Kong ascended to third place in global competitiveness, climbing two spots from the previous year. This marks Hong Kong’s return to the global top three for the first time since 2019.

Meanwhile, after being briefly overtaken by Singapore following the 2019 unrest and the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hong Kong reclaimed third place globally in the Global Financial Centres Index. The “Nylonkong” — New York, London, Hong Kong — tale of three cities continues to drive the global economy forward.

Also, Hong Kong has further solidified its standing as the world’s freest economy, a testament to the essence of the legislation: restoring stability while preserving freedom to the highest extent.  Moreover, the city’s per capita GDP is projected to reach $55,000 in 2025, representing an 18 percent increase since 2020. That result isn’t easy to achieve, given the global economic environment of recent years.

None of these would have been possible without a secure foundation. Had the chaos persisted, we might still be trapped in mob rule. The city’s lifelines, including trade, logistics, financial services, and aviation, would have been paralyzed. Hong Kong might have lost its competitiveness in just a few years, leaving us lamenting lost prosperity and grappling with unfulfilled aspirations. History shows that the decisive action taken by the central authorities and the resilience of Hong Kong residents have paid off, paving the way for the city to advance its development at full speed. That’s what the “one country, two systems” principle is all about.

READ MORE: HKSAR govt: NSL a milestone in shift towards high-quality development

This has always been the central government’s will. In a recent inspection trip to Hong Kong, Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, repeatedly underscored the importance of development in his speech marking the fifth anniversary of the NSL.

The more I reflect on the past, the more I hope for the future. While external challenges such as deglobalization and protectionism are on the rise, Hong Kong residents must face them with courage. With a secure foundation in place, the city is primed to reach greater heights.

Therefore, fellow residents, as we mark 28 years of progress, we can be fully confident that we have everything needed for success. Let us forge ahead at full throttle toward a brighter tomorrow.

The author is a member of the Hunan Province Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Y Elites Association

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.