IV. Hong Kong: From Disorder to Stability and Prosperity

Through the concerted efforts of the central government and the HKSAR, a historic transformation has been realized in safeguarding national security in the region with marked achievements. National sovereignty, security, and development interests have been effectively protected, and Hong Kong is enjoying a higher level of prosperity and stability with the wellbeing of its residents ensured. Bidding farewell to disorder, the region has entered a new phase of stability and prosperity, laying a solid foundation for the steady and sustained implementation of the One Country, Two Systems policy.

1. Government Security Safeguarded and Governance Efficiency Enhanced

Hong Kong's endeavors in safeguarding national security have fundamentally ensured that it is administered by staunch patriots. The constitutional order based on the Constitution and the Basic Law has been firmly established, and respect for and adherence to the country's fundamental system have become conscious practices across the region.

Under the new electoral system, the HKSAR has conducted elections for the Election Committee, the seventh Legislative Council, the sixth chief executive, the seventh district councils, and the eighth Legislative Council, ensuring that all those elected are patriots. An oath-taking system covering the chief executive, principal officials, members of the Executive Council and of the Legislative Council, judges of the courts at all levels and other members of the judiciary, civil service personnel, and district councilors has been established, refined, and effectively implemented. As a result, high-quality democracy that aligns with the One Country, Two Systems policy, complies with the Constitution and the Basic Law, and suits the actual conditions of Hong Kong has been further developed.

The executive-led system has been operating smoothly, and governance has continued to improve in the HKSAR. The chief executive and the HKSAR government proactively fulfill their leading role and shoulder primary responsibility for Hong Kong's governance, demonstrating initiative, striving for progress, and delivering satisfactory results. The sixth-term HKSAR government has applied a result-oriented approach to governance, combining a competent government with a well-functioning market, breaking down entrenched interests and barriers, and focusing on resolving deep-seated economic and social problems. Positive interaction between the legislative and executive branches is now commonplace, and Legislative Council members continue to play an increasingly constructive role in governance by extensively gathering public opinions and proactively offering advice on government policies.

At the grassroots level, district councilors, care teams and the "three committees" (Area Committees, District Fight Crime Committees, and District Fire Safety Committees) serve the public wholeheartedly as bridges between communities and the government, assisting policy implementation and helping residents resolve issues. Patriotic political groups and organizations uphold their fine traditions by actively engaging in social affairs, uniting diverse forces, and fully supporting the chief executive and the HKSAR government in exercising governance in accordance with the law. Working together, they support Hong Kong's development and strive for its future. Hong Kong is thriving in a new climate of good governance.

2. Dignity of the Rule of Law Defended and Social Order Restored

Hong Kong's endeavors in safeguarding national security have dealt a heavy blow to the anti-China agitators who trampled on the rule of law and challenged law enforcement and judicial authorities in Hong Kong. The rule of law, long a source of pride for the local community, has now been restored. Acts and activities endangering national security have been effectively prevented, halted, and punished, while citizens' lawful rights are better protected within a secure environment. The turbulence of the past has gone, replaced by peace, order, vitality, and sustained stability across society. Residents are now able to travel without fear, businesses to operate without concern, and students to attend school with an easy mind. The business districts are vibrant and thriving, residents' lives and property are fully protected, and Hong Kong is once again one of the safest cities in the world. Major events in the fields of culture, arts, sports, finance, economy, and trade have been held here in succession, highlighting the appeal of this international metropolis.

Hong Kong's judiciary and legal community stands resolutely as the guardians of the rule of law. HKSAR courts adjudicated serious criminal cases during the 2019 turmoil in accordance with the law and handed down deterrent verdicts. In safeguarding national security in accordance with the law, law enforcement, prosecution, and judicial personnel in Hong Kong have to face vitriolic attacks – even intimidation, threats and sanctions – from some countries. In spite of the pressure, they have acted with courage, impartiality, integrity, and honesty, and stood firm in defense of fairness and justice, earning respect and praise from all sectors.

Hong Kong's original legal system, including the common law, has been maintained and developed. Its rule of law enjoys global renown, with the successive establishment of the headquarters of the International Mediation Institute, the Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre under the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization, and the Asia-Pacific Liaison Office of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law in the region representing a "vote of confidence" from the international community in the local rule of law.

3. Business Environment Improved and Economy Thriving

Hong Kong's endeavors in safeguarding national security have contributed to stability, certainty and predictability in the market, with an increasingly favorable business environment that continues to attract global investors.

The local economy has maintained steady growth. In 2023, Hong Kong successfully emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic, with its GDP continuing to expand, exceeding HK$3 trillion in 2024 and recording a real-term increase of 3.5 percent in 2025. The region has further solidified its status as an international hub for finance, shipping, and trade. It again topped the world in economic freedom, ranked third globally in the Global Financial Centres Index, reclaimed its position among the top three in global competitiveness rankings, and recorded a significant improvement in its talent ranking, rising to fourth place globally and first in Asia. In 2025, the Hang Seng Index rose by 27.8 percent, while the IPOs on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange tripled year-on-year, ranking first globally. Hong Kong has remained the world's leader in air cargo throughput for years in a row and ranked fourth globally in registered tonnage of ships and in the International Shipping Centre Development Index.

New growth drivers and competitive advantages continue to gather momentum. Development of new quality productive forces has accelerated, with the Northern Metropolis advancing more rapidly through innovative approaches. The Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone has officially opened. More than 2,700 Single-Family Offices now operate in Hong Kong, with more than half managing assets exceeding US$50 million. The number of Hong Kong-based enterprises whose parent company resides overseas or on the mainland has reached a historic high of over 11,000, and global investors have shown their confidence in Hong Kong's future with action. The region is universally recognized as possessing the best business environment in the world, a place where ambitious entrepreneurs and investors can thrive and realize their dreams.

Hong Kong's role as an internal-external link and a vital bridge and window to the rest of the world have been further strengthened. The city has successfully hosted successive sessions of the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit, drawing an influx of financial elites from around the world. The 10th Belt and Road Summit in 2025 attracted over 6,000 political figures and business people from relevant countries and regions. Hong Kong ranked first in the 2025 Asian Cities Internationality Index, compiled by a professional agency commissioned by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. In November 2025, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank announced its plan to establish an office in Hong Kong. Throughout the year, the city welcomed 49.9 million visitors, marking a 12 percent increase compared to the previous year. In 2026, a survey by an international institution in Hong Kong showed that 94 percent of US-funded enterprises surveyed expressed confidence in Hong Kong's rule of law. Any attempt to disparage Hong Kong, undermine its business environment and international reputation, or encourage businesses to leave is destined to fail.

4. Rights and Freedoms Better Protected and Public Wellbeing Enhanced

Hong Kong's endeavors in safeguarding national security have better guaranteed local residents' rights and freedoms in accordance with the law. Over the past five years after the Hong Kong National Security Law came into effect, cases prosecuted for crimes endangering national security accounted for less than 0.2 percent of all criminal cases. This fully demonstrates that the Hong Kong National Security Law targets only a tiny minority of individuals who commit crimes endangering national security, while safeguarding the human rights and freedoms of the overwhelming majority. This stands in stark contrast to the practices of some countries that indiscriminately weaponize economic measures, technology, capital, currency, or tariffs under the broad label of national security.

Residents lawfully exercise their rights and enjoy various freedoms in Hong Kong, including the right to vote and to stand for election, the freedoms of speech, of the press and of publication, the freedoms of association, assembly, procession and demonstration, and the right and freedom to organize and participate in trade unions and strikes, while personal privacy remains strongly protected. Hong Kong continues to embrace diversity and vibrancy. As long as they abide by HKSAR laws, individuals of all political stances or beliefs can live, work, and study freely in Hong Kong. Over 200 local, mainland, and overseas media organizations have registered with the HKSAR news release system, with the number of overseas news media outlets steadily increasing year by year.

These facts refute any rumors that suggest the Hong Kong National Security Law infringes on human rights and the freedom of speech and the press, countering accusations of convictions for speech. And the claim that the One Country, Two Systems policy has been compromised by the introduction of the Law has been contradicted by the reality of life in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's endeavors in safeguarding national security have allowed the whole society to concentrate on developing the economy and improving people's wellbeing, resulting in a growing sense of gain, fulfillment, and security among the public. The HKSAR government has significantly reduced the waiting time for public rental housing through effective measures such as the Light Public Housing project. The accelerated development of Community Living Rooms has improved the living environment for grassroots residents. District Health Centers, as hubs of community healthcare services, have been strengthened, providing a wider range of primary healthcare services to citizens. Social welfare coverage and supporting subsidy programs have been further expanded, with the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme extended to more medical institutions in the mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Hong Kong's first traditional Chinese medicine hospital has commenced operations, and several new cross-boundary elderly care homes have been established. The annual review of the Statutory Minimum Wage and the abolition of the Mandatory Provident Fund offsetting arrangement have strengthened protection for workers' rights and interests. The Greater Bay Area Youth Employment Scheme has been regularized to encourage more enterprises to offer positions for Hong Kong young people to work in the mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area. Together, these changes have enabled Hong Kong citizens to enjoy more tangible benefits in their daily lives.

Throughout the HKSAR, social hostility has diminished. People who love both the country and Hong Kong have been vindicated, while anti-China acts and rhetoric have been condemned. Extensive education campaigns on patriotism have helped patriotic mainstream values aligned with the One Country, Two Systems policy gain deeper resonance among the public. The social climate is becoming more positive, and justice continues to prevail.