Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong’s keynote speech at the 10th National Security Education Day offers us a timely reminder of the importance of vigilance and unity in safeguarding Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity. Xia articulated a clear and powerful message: External forces attempting to undermine Hong Kong’s stability harbor delusional aspirations, and we must remain unwavering in our commitment to protecting the city’s hard-earned peace.
Reflecting on this significant occasion — the 10th anniversary of National Security Education Day — Xia underscored the profound transformation Hong Kong has experienced over the past several years. From the chaos and disruption of the 2019-20 unrest to the subsequent restoration of order through the decisive implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, the city has successfully navigated a challenging journey from turmoil back to stability, and onward toward renewed prosperity.
Yet Xia also delivered a stark warning: We must never forget the painful lessons of the past. The upheaval of 2019-20 serves as an enduring reminder of the vulnerabilities that arise when national security is neglected, and external interference is underestimated. Such historical lessons, Xia emphasized, must guide us continually, reminding us that forgetting the past equates to betrayal and risks repeating previous mistakes. In today’s rapidly shifting global landscape, complacency in matters of national security is simply not an option.
Indeed, recent developments in global geopolitics underline Xia’s cautionary stance. The United States has once again escalated its actions against Hong Kong, imposing sanctions on key officials and raising tariffs dramatically on goods from our city and the Chinese mainland. Such punitive measures are not merely economic policies — they represent overt attempts to weaken Hong Kong’s economic and political stability and hinder our development. These actions underscore the critical importance of maintaining a robust, comprehensive national security framework capable of protecting not only our political integrity but our economic prosperity as well.
As Xia rightly pointed out, external forces continue to harbor misguided hopes of destabilizing Hong Kong and reversing its progress. The recent US sanctions against outgoing police commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee and other officials — allegedly for undermining “protected rights and freedoms” — reflect a deliberate misrepresentation of Hong Kong’s true condition. Such sanctions are not constructive engagements; rather, they represent targeted political maneuvers aimed at undermining Hong Kong’s governance and eroding confidence in it.
It is precisely in response to such external provocations and internal vulnerabilities that our national security laws play a critical role. Since their implementation, they have helped successfully restore order and stability, reassure investors, and lay a solid foundation for sustained economic growth. Far from infringing upon our freedoms, the national security legislative framework has secured the peaceful environment necessary for our economy’s recovery and prosperity, ensuring that Hong Kong continues to be a global financial center and a vibrant hub of international trade.
Xia further reassured all Hong Kong residents by reiterating the central government’s enduring commitment to the principle of “one country, two systems”. The central government’s support, he emphasized, will only grow stronger in the face of mounting external pressures. As geopolitical tensions rise, Beijing’s steadfast backing provides a critical buffer against external interference, ensuring that Hong Kong can continue to thrive economically, culturally, and socially.
Moreover, Xia stressed the need for innovation and adaptability in confronting new challenges. The global landscape is indeed shifting rapidly, marked by trade wars, technological fragmentation, and economic uncertainties. Hong Kong’s unique strengths — the rule of law, open economy, and global connectivity — must be continuously leveraged to withstand these pressures. National security, therefore, is not simply a matter of political stability but is intrinsically tied to economic resilience, societal harmony, and long-term prosperity.
This year’s National Security Education Day, coming at a turbulent geopolitical moment, serves as a critical reminder to all Hong Kong residents that protecting national security is a shared responsibility. It requires vigilance, unity, and collective determination. Businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals must all play their part in upholding security and safeguarding our cherished way of life.
As we navigate these challenging times, the clarity and vision offered by Xia are invaluable. By recognizing the threats we face, understanding the importance of our national security framework, and remaining committed to the principles and values that underpin our society, we ensure that Hong Kong continues to move confidently toward a prosperous future.
In essence, Xia’s speech is a clarion call for us all — to remain watchful, united, and resolute in the face of external interference, protecting the stability and prosperity we have painstakingly rebuilt. It is a call we must heed, ensuring that Hong Kong remains resilient, secure, and prosperous for generations to come.
The author is the convener at China Retold, a member of the Legislative Council, and a member of the Central Committee of the New People’s Party.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
