NPC in all-out push for Article 23

Basic Law Article 23 legislation will ensure Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, a spokesman for the National People's Congress said as the two sessions started yesterday in Beijing.

The annual meeting at the Great Hall of the People will run to Monday.

NPC spokesman Lou Qinjian said it is Hong Kong's constitutional responsibility to complete the legislation for Article 23.

"The legislation is effectively aligned with the national security law and integrated with other laws in Hong Kong," Lou said.

"Together they will form a comprehensive legal system safeguarding national security to protect the country's sovereignty, security and interests as well as Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability to benefit all Hongkongers and foreign investment in the SAR. We will continue to monitor closely and support the legislation of Article 23 in Hong Kong."

Lou said development strategies offer unprecedented opportunities to Hong Kong, and the central government supports the SAR to integrate into national development.

The Ministry of State Security said the legislation is necessary for the SAR to cope with national security risks and maintain long-term stability.

The 36 Hong Kong NPC deputies attended a preparatory meeting yesterday morning to decide the meeting schedule and prepare for the opening today.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu departed for Beijing yesterday to attend the NPC opening. Sources said Lee will visit the Ministry of Finance upon arrival in the afternoon and meet finance minister Lan Foan.

Lee will also witness the signing of cooperation documents between the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the National Health Commission and the Health Bureau respectively on strengthening health-care training and infectious diseases prevention.

Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director Xia Baolong visited the deputies last night. He said Hong Kong should stay international and market-driven while maintaining the rule of law, as the central government hopes it can continue to serve as an international financial, trading and innovation center, according to NPC deputy Rock Chen Chung-nin.

Xia told Hong Kong members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference on Sunday that Article 23 should be enacted quickly so the city can focus on reviving its economy.

CPPCC member Chan Cheuk-hay said most Hongkongers support the legislation, which has been discussed for over 26 years.

Xia also said President Xi Jinping cares about Hong Kong and said the country must cherish the SAR by protecting it from foreign forces.

The central government has confidence in the city's economic prospects and the fiscal deficit is not a big deal, Xia said, while praising the budget announced last week.

Xia added it is necessary for Hong Kong to revamp district governance and lead district councils on the right track.

CPPCC member Wingco Lo Kam-wing said Xia also highlighted the economy and people's livelihoods during the meeting.

In the CPPCC opening meeting yesterday, chairman Wang Huning said in his first work report that the CPPCC conducted research on helping Hong Kong and Macau youth better integrate into national development.

It has also organized inspections in Hong Kong and Macau to deepen cooperation with the mainland and improve the communication mechanism with CPPCC members from the two SARs.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com