Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung today said the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is designed to bolster the successful "one country, two systems" principle, which will continue to drive Hong Kong's progress.

He made the statement at the 45th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council which was held in Geneva, Switzerland.

In his capacity as the China delegation’s deputy head, Mr Cheung delivered a video message on the situation in Hong Kong and the National Security Law at the session.

He said the National Security Law was enacted to address the increasing threat to national security in Hong Kong posed by the escalating violence by rioters during the social unrest last year.

The Chief Secretary noted that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China, adding effective measures must be taken to restore safety and stability. 

"The law is vital in bringing Hong Kong back on track and safeguarding our country's sovereignty, security and development interests.”

He also said the law has been effective in restoring stability so far.

Advocacy of Hong Kong independence and collusion with external forces have visibly subsided, as have acts of violence and blatant defiance of law and order, he added.

Mr Cheung also pointed out that the National Security Law seeks to preserve Hong Kong's core values, including rights and freedoms, the rule of law and judicial independence, while fundamental rights and freedoms remain intact under the Basic Law and the relevant provisions of international covenants as applied to Hong Kong.

He noted that almost all countries have their own national security laws.

"It is unthinkable therefore that our national security law should be a cause for concern for some countries."

He called on the international community not to adopt a double standard.

"Hong Kong will continue to forge ahead as a vibrant, open and international financial and business centre, with a prosperous and stable future," Mr Cheung added.