Hong Kong out of ‘political quagmire’ and effectively safeguarding national security, Beijing’s top man in city says in lead-up to July 1 celebrations
- Zheng Yanxiong, director of the central government’s liaison office in the city, notes that a ‘lovely Hong Kong’ has returned
- City leader John Lee also hails national security law, with Friday marking three years since its imposition
Hong Kong has gradually “walked out of a political quagmire” and is effectively safeguarding national security, Beijing’s top man in the city has said while urging the financial hub to “maintain the advantages of internationalisation” amid geopolitical changes.
Zheng Yanxiong, director of Beijing’s liaison office, on Friday also hailed the return of a “lovely Hong Kong”, as the local government warned that society must beware of “soft resistance” inciting hatred against the authorities and anti-China troublemakers who wanted to “strike back” to endanger national security.
Friday marked three years since the Beijing-imposed national security law took effect, and is also the eve of the July 1 anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese rule in 1997.
“Over the past year, the country’s sovereignty, security and development interests have been effectively safeguarded. Hong Kong has gradually walked out of the quagmire of political spirals. The familiar and lovely Hong Kong we have seen in the past is back,” Zhang said at an event to launch a series of celebrations marking the 26th handover anniversary.
“We must all be aware that Hong Kong can no longer go in the wrong direction and create chaos. It cannot be used or deceived by others.”
Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong in 2020 as its response to the months-long anti-government protests a year before, which rewrote the city’s political landscape.