On Tuesday, the Chinese State Council Information Office released a white paper titled "Hong Kong: Safeguarding National Security in the Framework of 'One Country, Two Systems'."

The white paper, consisting of five sections in addition to the preface and conclusion, details the tireless efforts to protect national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the central government's fundamental responsibility for national security matters related to the HKSAR.

The document also discusses the HKSAR's achievements in fulfilling its constitutional duty to protect national security, Hong Kong's transition from chaos to stability and prosperity, and the efforts to create a high-standard security environment for the quality development of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy.

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, led by Xi Jinping, is fully, faithfully, and resolutely implementing the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, and according to the white paper, the highest principle of this policy is the protection of state sovereignty, security, and development interests.

The white paper states that the central government adopts a comprehensive approach to national security and effectively exercises overall jurisdiction over the HKSAR in accordance with the Constitution of China and the Basic Law of the HKSAR. It enacted the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which is in effect in the region, and has ensured that Hong Kong is governed by patriots.

The central government supports the HKSAR in fulfilling its constitutional duty to protect national security by effectively preventing, stopping, and punishing any activities that endanger national security, the white paper states.

Hong Kong's efforts to protect national security are fundamentally aimed at preserving and developing the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, protecting the basic human rights, dignity, and well-being of the 7.5 million residents of Hong Kong, and promoting world peace and development, the document states.

The white paper also notes that the world is undergoing a transformation unlike any seen in the past century, and the development environment facing China is undergoing profound and complex changes. Protecting national security is a long-term and enduring task.

The central government firmly supports the HKSAR in fully and faithfully implementing the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to protect national security, and continuously strengthens its security shield to ensure the stable and sustainable implementation of the policy with high standards of security.

Hong Kong, with its high standards of security, will overcome all risks and challenges on its path forward and will remain stable even in a turbulent world. In such an environment, it will achieve long-term peace, stability, and prosperity, fully leverage the advantages of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, and better integrate into the overall development of China.

The Chief Executive of the HKSAR, John Lee, stated that the government of the special administrative region fully supports the white paper and will fulfill all the requirements set forth in it. Lee added that he will lead and coordinate the executive, legislative, and judicial branches in fulfilling their duties to protect national security.

CMG