Hong Kong Rebuts Claims on Economy and Rule of Law
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 13 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
An opinion article says criticism by a so-called Hong Kong expert about the city’s economy and rule of law is baseless and contradicted by recent data. It argues that Hong Kong has become stronger after the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance took effect, with business activity and employment rising.
Key Points
- The article says the Hong Kong SAR government correctly rejected allegations targeting Hong Kong’s economic development and national security work.
- It states that livelihoods, the business environment and economic performance have steadily improved since the two national security laws were implemented.
- Hong Kong recorded 11,070 foreign- and mainland-affiliated companies in 2025, up 11 per cent year on year to a record high.
- Those companies employed nearly 510,000 people in Hong Kong, representing a 3 per cent increase from 2024 levels.
- The piece says rights including freedoms protected by the Basic Law and Hong Kong Bill of Rights remain safeguarded under national security legislation.
Why It Matters
The article reflects an official and pro-establishment push to counter overseas criticism by framing national security measures as compatible with economic openness and legal protections. Its emphasis on company numbers and employment suggests Hong Kong will continue using business data to defend its international reputation and investment appeal.