As global strategic competition intensifies and international power dynamics shift, the urgency for China to adopt a comprehensive and forward-looking national security strategy has become increasingly evident.
The evolving concept of national security now encompasses economic vitality, technological autonomy, and cyber and informational sovereignty, extending beyond the traditional confines of military defense and political order. In this context, foreign-imposed tariffs, export restrictions in key technological fields, and ideological infiltration represent not isolated incidents but coordinated attempts to challenge China’s rise. These threats necessitate a robust and coordinated national response that integrates all regions and sectors of society, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, into a unified national security framework.
Hong Kong’s strategic importance lies in its geographic location and institutional capacity to act as a conduit between the Chinese mainland and the global economy. The city’s international financial center status, diversified trading networks, and strong legal infrastructure make it a critical node in China’s development blueprint. However, this openness also renders it susceptible to external shocks and hostile foreign agendas. Hong Kong must recalibrate its strategic orientation in an era of technological decoupling and supply-chain realignment. It must not rely solely on its historical strengths but must align more fully with national imperatives to preserve its long-term stability and relevance. Failure to do so would risk marginalization in a global system that increasingly rewards national coherence and technological self-sufficiency.
The riots of 2019-20 served as a severe test of Hong Kong’s resilience. The eruption of violent unrest, which some falsely portrayed as a movement for democratic expression, led to a collapse in tourism, a contraction in the retail and service sectors, and a deterioration in international confidence. The “black-clad” violence was not merely a political crisis but an economic one, eroding investor trust and undermining the city’s global standing. This episode highlighted the intrinsic connection between political order and economic performance. Without a stable environment governed by the rule of law, even the most robust economic systems can falter. Thus, for Hong Kong, safeguarding national security is synonymous with safeguarding its prosperity.
Despite this apparent correlation, some members of Hong Kong society persist in advancing a fallacious dichotomy between politics and economics, implying that the two can be independently managed. This view is not only outdated but dangerously misleading. Capital flows, investor confidence, and international trade are highly sensitive to political signals. The erosion of legal authority or social cohesion inevitably results in capital flight and business withdrawal, as in the case of the 2019-20 insurrection. Therefore, it is incumbent upon Hong Kong to reject this dichotomy and embrace a holistic understanding of security that integrates political stability, social harmony, and economic development into a unified vision.
In aligning with national goals, Hong Kong holds significant potential to contribute to the nation’s broader technological and industrial capabilities. With world-class research institutions, a skilled workforce, and a dynamic startup ecosystem, the city can play a pivotal role in advancing strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor design, and green technology. These are not merely economic pursuits but strategic assets that underpin national resilience in the face of foreign technological embargoes and global competition. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area initiative further enhances this potential by facilitating deeper integration between Hong Kong and neighboring mainland cities, enabling a greater unrestricted flow of talent, capital, and innovation. By leveraging this synergy, Hong Kong can reinforce national development while securing its future.
The constitutional framework of “one country, two systems” offers Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy and responsibility. While it allows the city to maintain its legal and economic systems, it also requires loyalty to the nation and alignment with its strategic objectives. This is not a constraint but a privilege — an opportunity for Hong Kong to demonstrate that diversity within unity is not only possible but advantageous. Full integration with the national security vision does not deviate from Hong Kong’s global character; on the contrary, it enhances the city’s strategic value by embedding it more deeply within the national revival effort. This symbiotic relationship ensures that Hong Kong remains internationally competitive and nationally indispensable.
Civic participation in national security is equally vital. The concept of security must transcend institutional confines and become embedded in the public consciousness. Each resident of Hong Kong has a role to play in safeguarding the city’s integrity. Whether through reporting suspicious activities, resisting disinformation, or supporting the rule of law, the collective alertness of residents forms the bedrock of social stability. Financial professionals, educators, and public servants must remain vigilant for money laundering, foreign subversion, and ideological manipulation. These efforts, though decentralized, contribute to a unified national front that fortifies China’s sovereignty and societal cohesion.
The 10th anniversary of National Security Education Day marks a pivotal moment in the national campaign to build a security-conscious society. This year’s theme — emphasizing deeper and more effective implementation — reflects the central government’s enduring commitment to embedding national security into every facet of civic life. This has translated into extensive educational initiatives in Hong Kong to foster a sense of national identity and civic responsibility among residents, particularly the youth. These programs are not symbolic exercises; they serve as strategic instruments to cultivate long-term societal resilience. A population that understands the stakes of national security is less susceptible to foreign manipulation and more capable of contributing to national unity.
China’s national security strategy is rooted in a fundamentally defensive ethos. It seeks not aggression but protection — of sovereignty, developmental momentum, and societal harmony. In this broader strategy, Hong Kong plays a dual role: as a beneficiary of national strength and as a contributor. By aligning with national security objectives, the city does not relinquish its global identity but enhances it. A secure, stable, and prosperous Hong Kong can serve as a model of successful integration under “one country, two systems” and as a beacon of China’s peaceful rise.
In an increasingly polarized international landscape, the future belongs to nations and regions that can harmonize internal unity with external competitiveness. For Hong Kong, this means embracing its responsibilities with clarity, purpose, and pride. The city can chart a path of sustained growth, societal cohesion, and strategic relevance by deepening its integration into the nation’s national security vision and rejecting false dichotomies. In doing so, Hong Kong secures its own destiny and affirms its place as an indispensable part of the Chinese nation’s rejuvenation.
The author is a solicitor, a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area lawyer, and a China-appointed attesting officer.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
