Since the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) unveiled a legislative work plan that includes legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law of the HKSAR, people from all sectors of Hong Kong society have voiced their support.

People from all walks of life in Hong Kong said they believe that the legislation is essential and should be promulgated as soon as possible. Many of them have also expressed a willingness to join the SAR government in promoting and explaining the legislative work, and that they expect the process to occur smoothly.

There are several reasons behind the widespread support for the legislation among Hong Kong people.

The first is that people recognize that Hong Kong is a part of China, and it is the SAR’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security. Many people in Hong Kong believe that the legislation is “long overdue” since the return of Hong Kong to the motherland more than 26 years ago.

Faced with a situation in which hostile external forces are doing everything they can to contain China, Hong Kong people have realized that the region must cement its national security defenses by plugging loopholes and shoring up weak links, so as to eliminate the region’s “risk exposure” to external sabotage attempts.

Another reason lies in the disturbances that occurred in Hong Kong in 2019.

In 2020, about 3 million Hong Kong residents signed a petition in support of the region’s national security legislation. The disturbances served as a wake-up call for Hong Kong people, causing them to realize that the national security risks facing Hong Kong are real and long-lasting, and can emerge at any moment, meaning that vigilance should never be relaxed.

Beneath the tranquil surface of society, risks to national security remain grave in Hong Kong, and efforts should be made to seize every opportunity to improve the national security-related legal system, to provide robust guarantees for the region’s economic development and residents’ well-being.

The longing for development is part of the answer, with many pointing out that early legislation of Article 23 will eliminate uncertainties concerning national security, improving the region’s overall business environment and enhancing its allure for enterprises and investors.

Most Hong Kong people hope that the legislation will end the long-standing problem in Hong Kong, so that the region will be able to concentrate on developing its economy.

With consensus among Hong Kong society, the legislation of Article 23 is expected to be accomplished at the earliest possible date, ensuring Hong Kong is better prepared to handle risks and challenges, and bringing greater development and glory to the region.