China’s State Council on Tuesday released a white paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding National Security Under the Framework of ‘One Country, Two Systems’”, comprehensively reviewing the practice and outlining the way ahead for ensuring security and stability in the special administrative region.

The document, containing a preface, five main sections, and a conclusion, systematically details the necessity, legal foundations, and achievements of national security work in the city.

It emphasizes that safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests is the “highest principle” to implement the “one country, two systems” policy.

According to the white paper, in the face of the “turbulent and changing circumstances” in Hong Kong, such as the 2019 social turmoil, which evolved into a Hong Kong version of a “color revolution”, the central government, upholding the overall national security concept, exercised its comprehensive jurisdiction over the SAR in accordance with the Constitution of China and the HKSAR Basic Law.

FULL TEXT: Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems

Measures including the implementation of the HKSAR National Security Law (NSL) in June 2020 and improvements to Hong Kong’s electoral system, “swiftly quelling riots and restoring order in Hong Kong”, represent a “milestone” in advancing the cause of the “one country, two systems” framework.

The white paper states that the NSL, which fully reflects the legislative spirit of “adhering to the foundation of one country while respecting the differences between the two systems”, is to uphold the “one country, two systems” principle, maintain prosperity and stability in Hong Kong, and serve the best interests of the city and its residents.

It also said that the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which was passed in March 2024 and effectively plugged legal loopholes, showed that the HKSAR had finally fulfilled its long-overdue constitutional responsibility.

Following the implementation of the NSL, the electoral system and local governance structures like the district councils have been systematically reshaped, and the principle of patriots administering Hong Kong has been fully applied.

“The NSL has brought stability to Hong Kong in a decisive move, marking a watershed in the region’s transition from chaos to order and leading the way to a new journey in the practice of ‘one country, two systems’.”

The document also notes that regardless of changes in the international landscape, the central government will always lend full support to Hong Kong in building high-standard security, preventing and defusing major risks and hidden dangers, and extensively expanding its global reach.

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“The central government will continue to fully, accurately, and resolutely implement the principles of one country, two systems, the people of Hong Kong administering Hong Kong, and a high degree of autonomy.”

In conclusion, the document said that as China progresses in its modernization and national rejuvenation, the HKSAR is poised to “definitely make new achievements and contribute more to the country”.

A spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, in a separate statement, hailed the white paper as holding “profound and far-reaching significance” for the SAR to comprehensively and accurately implement the “one country, two systems” principle with unwavering commitment.

“Maintaining national security in Hong Kong is to uphold the one country, two systems policy, safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and ensure Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability,” the spokesperson stressed. “Ultimately, it serves the interests of the nation, Hong Kong and its residents.”

The spokesperson added that a Hong Kong with a high level of security will be resilient against risks, achieve enduring peace and long-term prosperity, and better integrate into and serve the nation’s overall development.

It asserts that such a secure, free, developing, open and dynamic Hong Kong aligns with the “one country, two systems” policy, serves the fundamental interests of the nation, benefits Hong Kong residents, and meets the expectations of international investors.