Beijing has issued a white paper on Hong Kong’s role in safeguarding national security under the “one country, two systems” principle, stressing that the city’s struggles on this front “have never stopped” and will remain an “ongoing process”.
The State Council issued the white paper on Tuesday, a day after a Hong Kong court sentenced former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying to 20 years in prison for offences under the national security law, which authorities described as a severe punishment.
According to the five‑chapter white paper, the central government bears the fundamental responsibility for Hong Kong’s national security affairs, while the city must also fulfil its constitutional duty in this regard.
The paper said Hong Kong’s efforts to safeguard national security “had never stopped,” with the 2019 anti‑government protests representing the most severe challenge.
The document also noted that the country was currently facing a complex environment.
“Defending national security is an ongoing process that will never truly be completed,” it said.
