Criticism of Hong Kong’s economy and rule of law is baseless
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, rejects criticism of the city’s economic development and national security laws, citing improved livelihoods and business environment.
Intelligence analysis by Llama
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, rejects criticism of the city’s economic development and national security laws, citing improved livelihoods and business environment.
Hong Kong is attracting more businesses and creating jobs, which shows that the city is a good place to invest and work. Some people are saying that Hong Kong’s freedoms are being threatened, but the government says that’s not true and that people’s rights are protected.
Analysis
Hong Kong’s Economic Achievements Under National Security Laws
Hong Kong has made unprecedented achievements over the past two years in attracting quality businesses to the city. According to the government’s annual survey, the number of foreign- and mainland-affiliated companies in Hong Kong rose to 11,070 in 2025, up 11 per cent from the previous year – a record-high number of firms with parent companies located outside Hong Kong. Together, these enterprises hired nearly 510,000 people in Hong Kong, up by 3 per cent from 2024. Such numbers represent a vote of confidence in Hong Kong by businesses and entrepreneurs.
Allegations of Threats to Freedoms Are Groundless
Allegations that Hong Kong’s freedoms are under threat are also groundless. Hong Kong people’s rights and freedoms are protected under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. In fact, both the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. The rights and freedoms – including freedom of the press, of speech and of publication – enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the Basic Law, and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, are protected in accordance with the law.
Setting the Record Straight
It is appalling that anyone would try to smear Hong Kong by resorting to untruths. A simple fact-check will reveal that Hong Kong has emerged stronger than before. Hong Kong has attracted quality businesses to the city, and the economic performance is consistently scaling new highs.
Key points
- Hong Kong has attracted a record number of foreign- and mainland-affiliated companies in 2025.
- These companies have hired nearly 510,000 people in Hong Kong, up by 3 per cent from 2024.
- The Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance protect human rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.
- Allegations that Hong Kong’s freedoms are under threat are groundless.
If the current economic trends continue, Hong Kong may see even more businesses and investments coming in, creating more jobs and opportunities for its residents.
However, if the national security laws are not implemented effectively, it may lead to a decline in foreign investment and a negative impact on the economy.
