[Commentary] On May 23, Liang Zhenying, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said in an exclusive interview with reporters from China News Service on the issue of "Hong Kong's legislation to safeguard national security" that it was very urgent to start the relevant procedures.
[Same period] Liang Zhenying, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee
In view of the current situation in Hong Kong, I think the best pace can be faster. This legislative work can be completed as soon as possible and implemented in Hong Kong.
[Commentary] Liang Zhenying said that the National People's Congress initiated the Hong Kong-related national security legislation process, which is an arrangement to perfect "one country", "two systems", and "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy".
[Same period] Liang Zhenying, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee
"One country, two systems" has been successful since it was implemented in Hong Kong 23 years ago. This is a fact recognized worldwide. However, there are some flaws, including the flaw that the (SAR Government) has not succeeded in enacting national security laws in accordance with Article 23 of the Basic Law. It caused some problems including the past six months, so this is a supplement and a perfection.
[Explanation] Liang Zhenying emphasized that every society has a need to maintain national security. At present, there are neither laws in this area nor enforcement mechanisms in this area, which is very detrimental to the long-term stability of Hong Kong.
[Same period] Liang Zhenying, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee
We have seen in Hong Kong some acts that endanger national security, including the fact that Hong Kong independence elements are becoming more and more rampant. Proposed "Hong Kong independence", put forward various proposals for "decentralization" and de-sinization. For example, "Constitution of the Square" and so on. We also saw the participation of some foreign external forces. This shows that we must have national security laws. Necessity.
[Explanation] Liang Zhenying pointed out that the existence of the National Security Law is to protect national security, while providing a good and stable social environment, allowing investors to make good investments, businessmen to do a good job, and let the citizens have a peaceful life. The implementation of relevant laws does not mean the end of "one country, two systems".
[Same period] Liang Zhenying, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee
With the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, it does not mean that Hong Kong will implement "one country, one system". This is because the national security laws of Hong Kong are different from those of the Mainland, and the enforcement mechanism is also different from the Mainland. Therefore, it is still "one country, two systems", and "one country, two systems" has been more fully implemented.
[Commentary] There are external voices that once the "Hong Kong National Security Law" is implemented, investors will lose confidence in Hong Kong. Liang Zhenying said that there are not a few foreign investors investing in mainland China. They can adapt to the environment in which the mainland maintains national security. I do not believe they will be afraid in Hong Kong.
[Same period] Liang Zhenying, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee
The total number of Americans in Mainland China is greater than the total number of Americans in Hong Kong; the investment of Americans in the Mainland is higher than that of Americans in Hong Kong. Therefore, I do not believe that Americans, Taiwan compatriots, or Hong Kong people, they are afraid of the laws of national security in the Mainland, or the environment for maintaining national security. They are not afraid in the Mainland, nor should they be afraid in Hong Kong.
[Explanation] Liang Zhenying emphasized that the relevant laws are aimed at a very small number of terrorists who endanger national security, such as the few "Hong Kong independence" elements who urge "Hong Kong independence". It protects the vast majority of Hong Kong residents.
[Same period] Liang Zhenying, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee
After the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, it protects the vast majority of Hong Kong residents. This includes us Chinese among Hong Kong residents and foreigners among Hong Kong residents. Because of the National Security Law. Hong Kong will be a more stable society. The National Security Law not only protects Hong Kong residents, but also provides Hong Kong residents with a better and more conducive environment for investment in work and operations.
Reporter Li Yue Hong Kong
Editor in charge: [Li Ji]