（March 1, 2021）
Distinguished guests and friends,
Welcome to today’s event.
After the outbreak of incidents in the wake of the proposed rendition of fugitive offenders law, Hong Kong was for a time plunged into turmoil and chaos. The safety of life and property of Hong Kong residents was jeopardized. National security was at risk, and “One Country, Two Systems” was under unprecedented challenge.
In June 2020, in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress formulated the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR. The Hong Kong National Security Law plugged the long-existing loopholes in Hong Kong’s legal system, and provides solid institutional guarantee for the steady and sustained implementation of “One Country, Two Systems”.
Ever since the implementation of the National Security Law, Hong Kong has embarked on a transition from chaos to order. The public no long live under the threat of turmoil and violence. The National Security Law provides vigorous protection of Hong Kong residents’ lawful rights and freedoms enshrined in the Basic Law.
Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China. Hong Kong affairs are China’s internal affairs which brook no external interference. Certain international forces attempt, under the pretext of Hong Kong related issues, to interfere in China’s internal affairs, undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and contain China’s development, which China firmly opposes.
The Chinese government will unswervingly implement the policies of “One China, Two Systems,” “Hong Kong People administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy. We will fully follow the principle of “patriots governing Hong Kong,” and resolutely uphold China's sovereignty, security and development interests.
Our panelists today come from the SAR Government, the Legislative Council and civil society of Hong Kong. From different perspectives, they will share with us the positive changes taken place in Hong Kong since the implementation of the National Security Law, including better protection of human rights. I am confident their presentations will provide our audience more insights into the real situation in Hong Kong.
I wish today’s event a complete success.