The foundations of security have been comprehensively strengthened, and society has returned to a stable and orderly state.

This year marks the sixth anniversary of the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong. The city has now completed a full legislative cycle, covering both the National Security Law and Article 23 of the Basic Law, with supporting regulations continuously revised and refined. In June, a new documentary series on national security, “Decoding National Security Files,” officially premiered, using real cases to explain the law and strengthen public awareness of national security. From past social unrest to today’s peaceful streets and secure business environment, all residents have come to deeply appreciate that national security is the greatest source of confidence for Hong Kong’s development. Recently, the PLA garrison in Hong Kong opened its three major barracks to the public, welcoming nearly 58,000 Hong Kong citizens who gained firsthand experience of domestically produced defense equipment and witnessed the steadfast resolve of our soldiers in safeguarding the Pearl River Delta. As a result, a sense of national pride continues to grow among the people.

Economic competitiveness has risen against the trend, with deep integration marking the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan.

2026 marks the inaugural year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, and Hong Kong has concurrently drawn up its first-ever local five-year development plan, proactively aligning itself with the national drive for high-quality development and the cultivation of new‑type productive forces. According to the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook released in June, Hong Kong’s global competitiveness has risen to second place worldwide, reaching a seven‑year high. In the first half of the year, Hong Kong attracted over HK$53 billion in foreign investment, with mainland enterprises accounting for 60 percent of the total; meanwhile, construction of the Northern Metropolis and the International Innovation and Technology Centre is advancing at full speed, enabling Hong Kong to continue fulfilling its role as the Mainland’s “super connector” and “super value‑addition platform.”

In the same month, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress authorized Hong Kong to exercise jurisdiction over the Hong Kong‑side extension of the Huanggang Port, bringing into operation a brand‑new 24‑hour border crossing. The “one‑stop, two‑inspection” clearance model has significantly reduced travel time between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, marking another crucial step forward in the interconnectedness of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area—a pragmatic measure by the central government to support Hong Kong’s integration into national development.

Young innovators and entrepreneurs are forging ahead in tandem, with a deepening sense of national identity.

In May this year, the Shenzhou‑23 manned spacecraft was successfully launched, and the Chinese space station welcomed its first Hong Kong payload specialist, an event that captured the attention of the entire city and became a landmark moment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a clear statement that the participation of Hong Kong astronauts in space missions is a precious achievement of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, greatly inspiring Hong Kong’s young people to pursue careers in cutting‑edge fields such as aerospace, artificial intelligence, and new energy. Today, scientific and technological innovation collaborations between mainland and Hong Kong universities, as well as youth internship and exchange programs, have become routine. An increasing number of Hong Kong youths are heading north to start businesses or pursue studies, finding their own paths for personal growth amid the nation’s development momentum, while the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” has taken deep root among the younger generation.