Hong Kong Security: China’s White Paper on National Security Law

Beijing, February 10 – China’s State Council Information Office today released a white paper outlining Hong Kong’s efforts to safeguard national security under the framework of “One Country, Two Systems.” The document details what Beijing describes as an unrelenting effort to maintain security in the region and reaffirms the central government’s fundamental responsibility in matters concerning national security in Hong Kong.

Titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems,” the white paper consists of five chapters, a preface, and a conclusion. It focuses on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s (HKSAR) achievements in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to protect national security, the territory’s transition from a period of unrest to one of stability and prosperity, and the ongoing efforts to establish a high level of security conducive to high-quality development of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy.

According to the white paper, the Communist Party of China Central Committee, with Xi Jinping at its core, has consistently and resolutely implemented the “One Country, Two Systems” policy. The highest principle of this policy, the document states, is to safeguard China’s national sovereignty, security, and development interests.

The release of the white paper comes as China continues to navigate complex geopolitical challenges and seeks to project an image of stability and control within its territories. The timing also suggests a desire to underscore Beijing’s commitment to the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, particularly in light of international scrutiny regarding Hong Kong’s political and social landscape.

The white paper highlights the central government’s application of a holistic approach to national security and its effective exercise of overall jurisdiction over the HKSAR, in accordance with both the country’s Constitution and the HKSAR’s Basic Law. A key element of this approach, the document emphasizes, is the enactment and enforcement of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This law, introduced in 2020, has been a source of considerable international debate, with critics alleging it has been used to suppress dissent and curtail freedoms in Hong Kong.

The white paper asserts that the central government supports the HKSAR in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility by effectively preventing, halting, and punishing activities that endanger national security. This support, it claims, is crucial for maintaining stability and ensuring the continued success of the “One Country, Two Systems” model.

The document’s release follows a period of significant political and social change in Hong Kong. Pro-democracy protests in 2019, met with a firm response from authorities, led to widespread arrests and a reshaping of the political landscape. The subsequent imposition of the national security law further solidified Beijing’s control over the territory.

While the white paper portrays a narrative of restored order and prosperity, independent observers have raised concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the increasing influence of the central government in Hong Kong’s affairs. The document’s emphasis on safeguarding national security is likely to be interpreted differently by various stakeholders, with some viewing it as a necessary measure to maintain stability and others as a further curtailment of Hong Kong’s autonomy.

The “One Country, Two Systems” framework was established when Hong Kong was handed over from British to Chinese rule in 1997. It was designed to allow Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy, except in matters of defense and foreign affairs, for a period of 50 years. However, in recent years, Beijing has asserted greater control over the territory, leading to concerns that the framework is being undermined.

The white paper’s release is likely to be closely watched by international governments and organizations, as well as by the people of Hong Kong. It represents Beijing’s attempt to articulate its vision for the future of the territory and to justify its policies in the face of ongoing criticism. The document’s impact will depend on how it is received by these various audiences and whether it can effectively address the concerns surrounding Hong Kong’s political and social future.

The document’s emphasis on the central government’s role and the Law on Safeguarding National Security underscores a clear message from Beijing: maintaining national security is paramount, and the “One Country, Two Systems” framework will be implemented in a manner that prioritizes this objective. This stance is likely to continue to shape the relationship between Hong Kong and the mainland in the years to come.