A man walks past a government public notice banner for the National Security Law in Hong Kong on July 15, 2020. (PHOTO / AFP)

HONG KONG – Heralding the third anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL), the special administrative region's government on Friday said that the city must remain vigilant against any attempts to disrupt peace in society or endanger national security again.

Although overall stability has been restored in Hong Kong, they must not let their guard down, a spokesman for the SAR government said in a statement on the occasion of the anniversary.

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“The HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China. It is the common responsibility of all the people of China, including the people of Hong Kong, to safeguard the sovereignty, unification and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of China,” said the spokesman.

It is the common mission of all to safeguard the overall interests of Hong Kong society and ensure the long-term prosperity and stability of the city.

Spokesman, HKSAR Govt

Acts of “soft resistance” continue to take place and spread through the internet and media presently, creating conflict and even arousing Hong Kong residents’ hatred of the central authorities and of the HKSAR government, according to the statement.

“Some countries and external forces have time and again exploited myriad incidents and occasions, and created various excuses, to not just slander the NSL, but also smear and attack, with rumors spread, the HKSAR in its dutiful, faithful and lawful implementation of the NSL, with a view to undermining the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong,” it reads.

“It is the common mission of all to safeguard the overall interests of Hong Kong society and ensure the long-term prosperity and stability of the city.”

The SAR government will further strengthen the city’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms for defending national security, whilst also safeguarding the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, said the spokesman.

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The spokesman also stressed that the HKSAR government’s overarching goal is to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.