Beijing: China on Tuesday defended its national security law in Hong Kong, asserting that the region's legal framework and social stability have improved significantly in the five years since its implementation. 'Over the past five years since the national security law in Hong Kong was implemented, Hong Kong's legal framework improved,' stated Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning during a press briefing in Beijing. She emphasized that Hong Kong society now experiences 'greater social stability and solidarity.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Beijing imposed the national security law in 2020 following widespread anti-government protests in 2019. Critics argue that the law has been used to suppress dissent, limit freedoms, and silence opposition voices. Despite these criticisms, Mao stated, "Lawful rights and freedom of Hong Kong residents enjoy are fully protected."

The spokeswoman further commented, "Certain Western politicians and anti-China organizations groundlessly smear against 'One Country, Two Systems,' and their attacks on Hong Kong's rule of law fully reveal their ill intention of destabilizing Hong Kong." She also noted that the city has "achieved high-quality development," with "high-level security."

These remarks were made shortly after Hong Kong's last standing opposition party, the League of Social Democrats, declared its disbandment after 19 years of activism, as reported by Hong Kong Free Press.