Hong Kong file photo

Hong Kong lawmakers unanimously passed the Article 23 legislation on Tuesday. This progress will be very beneficial for the long-term stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. In the past, this was a controversy that led to confusion among some people, allowing the forces who attempt to destabilize Hong Kong to have illusions and impulses, and also allowing external forces to have various expectations and interests in intervening in Hong Kong affairs. Now, with the completion of The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance in accordance with Article 23 of the Basic Law, the end of the past legislative vacuum in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has made Hong Kong's political stability more certain, which is the primary foundation for economic development. Hong Kong's long-term prosperity will have unlimited opportunities to grow on this basis.

Since the outbreak of the epidemic, there had been some fluctuations in the Hong Kong economy. Some forces have been propagating that Hong Kong is "over," but this represents the wishes of some forces such as the US and the UK, rather than a true reflection of Hong Kong's destiny. Since the reform and opening-up of the Chinese mainland, many places have seized on opportunities and moved closer to the center of economic globalization. Shenzhen, across from Hong Kong, has almost risen from scratch to become one of the most dynamic innovation centers globally, while Shanghai in the Yangtze River Delta has also achieved further rise on its original foundation. Hong Kong still maintains the principle of "one country, two systems" with the mainland, so how could it be possible for it to experience a reversal of fate just because it has the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, and thus lose all conditions and opportunities for development? This goes against common sense and is anti-intellectual.

Most countries and regions around the world have specific security laws, and countries like the US and the UK spare no effort in constantly strengthening and updating their legislation in this area. It's not unique for Hong Kong to have its own security bill. The fact that in the past years there has been no Article 23 legislation in place is what is truly abnormal, and it is also the fundamental reason why Hong Kong, as a developed society, once fell into serious turmoil. Now Hong Kong is just returning to a normal state.

Some forces in the US and the UK want to take advantage of the previous turmoil in Hong Kong to bring down the city. Their destructive actions may have a certain inertia. However, the most important thing now is for the residents of Hong Kong to have backbone and resolutely adhere to the principle of "one country, two systems" in accordance with the Basic Law, and to accelerate the process of restoring Hong Kong's rightful ecology and vitality with the help of the country.

With strong support from the country, the natural laws of economics, and the collective efforts of Hong Kong society, the prosperity of this city will surely continue and flourish. Hong Kong has a huge space to maintain its own characteristics, and as a hub connecting the East and the West, it cannot be replaced by any other place, nor can it be changed by some forces in the US and the UK.

The author is a Chinese media professional. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn