China News Agency, Hong Kong, June 1st (Reporter Han Xingtong) A few days ago, the National People's Congress voted to pass the legislative decision on Hong Kong-related national security and authorized the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to formulate relevant laws. In this regard, the presidents of the five universities in Hong Kong issued a joint statement on June 1, expressing their understanding of the necessity of enacting a national security law involving Hong Kong.

  Participants in the joint statement were Zhang Xiang, President of Hong Kong University, Duan Chongzhi, President of Chinese University of Hong Kong, Teng Jinguang, President of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Zheng Guohan, President of Lingnan University, and Zhang Renliang, President of Hong Kong University of Education.

  The joint statement stated that the prosperity and stability of the country and Hong Kong are closely related to the future of young people. A safe and stable social environment, a sound legal system and rule of law, good public order, and pluralistic tolerance are important to the long-term development of Hong Kong. We fully support "one country, two systems", understand the necessity of enacting a national security law, and cherish the rights to freedom of speech, press, publication, and assembly guaranteed by the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

  The five principals also promised in the statement that we will, as always, adhere to academic freedom, excellence in teaching and research, and institutional autonomy, and maintain a diverse culture and contribute to society. (Finish)