Chinese State Media Emphasizes the Necessity of Enacting the Hong Kong National Security Law

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Chinese state media are emphasizing that Hong Kong is a crucial part of China's national security and are focusing on justifying the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law.

State-run Global Times and Huanqiu Shibao stated in editorials on the 22nd that "Hong Kong security is an essential part of China's national security, and the Hong Kong National Security Law is fundamentally a necessary law for the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework."

They added, "Western media claim that China's decision will destroy Hong Kong, but in fact, it is a measure to prevent external forces from interfering in Hong Kong affairs," explaining that "this decision will create a stable environment in which the One Country, Two Systems principle can operate smoothly." They further argued, "Once the Hong Kong National Security Law is enacted, Hong Kong issues will no longer be a diplomatic matter between China and the United States," and "strengthening national security will also solidify Hong Kong's status as a Special Administrative Region."

Xinhua News Agency, through interviews with Hong Kong representatives, emphasized that the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law is central to One Country, Two Systems, stating, "Hong Kong also judges that establishing legal systems and enforcement mechanisms for the security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is not only a responsibility under Chinese law but also necessary to protect its own interests." They added, "The ongoing violent protests in Hong Kong have seriously threatened the practice of One Country, Two Systems in Hong Kong," and expressed hope that "with firm determination to safeguard national security, the relevant systems will be launched promptly."

The People's Daily stressed, "Currently, only Hong Kong lacks related laws (such as the National Security Law), which is a weakness in safeguarding national security and is unacceptable." It continued, "The National Security Law is not just Hong Kong's issue but a matter for all of China," and "The National People's Congress (NPC), as the highest state authority, must exercise the powers granted by the constitution according to new circumstances and needs."

Meanwhile, the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law is the fifth agenda item at the National People's Congress (NPC), which opened in Beijing on the morning of the 22nd and will last for a week. NPC spokesperson Zhang Yesui announced at a press conference held the previous night that among the nine proposals at this NPC session, one includes the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law. Zhang explained the background of the legislative discussion, saying, "Hong Kong is an inseparable part of China, and NPC deputies intend to enact laws to safeguard Hong Kong's national security in accordance with the constitutional duties," adding, "Protecting national security is protecting the fundamental interests of all people, including Hong Kong compatriots."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.