Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee welcomed a national white paper released Tuesday on safeguarding China's security under the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong, pledging to coordinate the city's legislative, executive and judicial bodies to implement its contents.

The white paper — "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" — was released on Tuesday morning by the nation’s State Council Information Office.

Speaking before the weekly Executive Council meeting, Lee said the white paper offers practical guidance for the Hong Kong SAR and “comes at just the right time”. He urged all sectors in Hong Kong to study and grasp its essence and direction, sharing his own understanding of the document.

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Lee said that safeguarding national security is an ongoing effort in Hong Kong, and risks require constant vigilance. While national security ultimately falls under the central government’s authority, Hong Kong must fully and earnestly fulfill its constitutional responsibility to protect security. Lee pledged to support the high-quality practice of the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong with the city’s high-level security, following the white paper's guidelines.

The city's leader also referred to the 20‑year prison sentence handed down on Monday to former media tycoon Jimmy Lai, founder of the now‑defunct Apple Daily, following his conviction in December on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one of conspiracy to publish seditious materials.

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Lee said the ruling delivered justice, as Lai had harmed the interests of the SAR and the nation, shamelessly acting as a pawn for external forces.

Lee said that Lai had long used Apple Daily to poison the minds of residents by inciting hatred, distorting facts, deliberately stirring up social antagonism and glorifying violence.

Lai also had openly begged for external forces to impose sanctions against China and the Hong Kong SAR, sacrificing the well-being of the people of both of the country and the city.

“His conviction is supported by overwhelming evidence, and he for sure deserves his punishment after all the harm he has done,” Lee said.