Protecting national security seen as key to Hong Kong’s stability
South China Morning Post
by Denise Tsang,Fiona SunFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Safeguarding national security is paramount for Hong Kong's stability under the "one country, two systems" principle, as highlighted by Chief Executive John Lee during a high-level meeting with 150 officials, experts, and lawmakers. The gathering focused on a State Council white paper emphasizing Hong Kong's role in protecting national security as a long-term commitment. Lee underscored the shared responsibility between the central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to uphold this duty.
The white paper, released after former media executive Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years for national security offenses, stressed the necessity of vigilance against such risks. Lee called for learning from past experiences and ensuring comprehensive measures to protect national security in all aspects. This comes as part of efforts to maintain stability and foster development in Hong Kong.
The meeting's context underscores the broader implications for global readers interested in world affairs. Ensuring national security is vital not only for Hong Kong's stability but also for attracting foreign investment and maintaining its status as a global financial hub. The situation reflects Beijing's approach to governance under "one country,
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/14/2026