Opinions were solicited from all relevant sectors, in particular, those from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), during the formulation of the law on safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, a senior Chinese legislator said Wednesday.

From drafting to the deliberation, views were heard from various channels, including those from professionals and experts, Shen Chunyao, head of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, told a press conference where legislators introduced the new law to the public. 

Lawmakers sought opinions from the HKSAR through multiple channels as well as experts' opinions on the draft law, even though the draft was not released to the public for collecting opinions, Shen said. Based on official records, over 130 suggestions were collected.

The legislator noted that the legislation would plug loopholes in Hong Kong's legal system. 

"The law can effectively protect national security, prevent and punish crimes that endanger national security in relation to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region," said Shen. "It effectively stops the loopholes in the HKSAR in relation to establishing a framework to protect national security."

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Chinese lawmakers on Tuesday voted unanimously to adopt the national security legislation for the HKSAR, a "resolute" effort taken by the central government that will make secession, subversion, and collusion with foreign forces illegal.

The decision was made at a session meeting of China's top legislature on Tuesday, with emphasis on improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR while maintaining its high degree of autonomy under the principle of "One Country, Two Systems."

Officials said in the Wednesday press conference in Beijing that the law is an important step to take "corrective" action to the unrest in the HKSAR, dismissing allegations from certain countries interfering in China's internal affairs. 

Enforcement of the law is of far-reaching significance to upholding and improving the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, Shen underlined, and it is also important for national sovereignty and security, as well as Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity.

Zhang Xiaoming, deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, resonated with the sentiment. The national security law for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) marks a milestone in advancing "One Country, Two Systems," he said on Wednesday in the conference held by the State Council Information Office to introduce national security legislation for the HKSAR.

The law will serve as a guardian of prosperity and stability in Hong Kong, Zhang added.

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