Officials of the central and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Tuesday welcomed a newly released white paper on the city’s national security, saying it clarifies that safeguarding national sovereignty is the top principle of “one country, two systems”, and is a document of substantial, long-term weight for the policy to be fully, faithfully and resolutely implemented.

This paper, issued by The State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China, was released a day after HKSAR’s High Court sentenced former media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying to 20 years in prison in a high-profile national security case.

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

A spokesperson for the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office said the document provides a thorough review of Hong Kong’s national security practices, reaffirms the central government’s staunch backing for the city’s safeguarding role, and consolidates essential insights of experience for upholding national security under “one country, two systems”.

The spokesperson reiterated that fostering a Hong Kong that’s safe, while free, prosperous, open and vibrant, is in line with core national interests, benefits the welfare of its residents, and serves the needs of investors.

The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR called the white paper a “new starting point” for deepening the city’s national security work, saying that enhanced security will continue to support its high-quality growth.

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A spokesperson cited the extensive public endorsement for the HKSAR’s National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, noting that, with a stronger legal system, Hong Kong has enjoyed robust economic performance and steady livelihood betterment under an administration of patriots and an executive-led governance model.

The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR said the measures implemented to safeguard national security constitute a vital part of the bedrock for the sustained practice of "one country, two systems”.

“The authority of the HKSAR National Security Law is not to be challenged,” a spokesperson said, adding that the situation in Hong Kong regarding national security remains severe and complex, with persistent conflicts continuing to be sharp and acute.

The office pledged to steadfastly perform its statutory responsibilities, enforcing legal safeguarding measures and fully supporting Hong Kong in faithfully implementing its National Security Law.