Hong Kong's Lam: National security law has been effective

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said Wednesday that her annual policy address sought to restore constitutional order in Hong Kong after the opposition demonstration led to violence and damages last year.

The address came more than a month after it was postponed so that she could seek Beijing’s support for various economic measures to revive the semi-autonomous Chinese territory's economy.

Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong in June, aiming to crack down on dissent following months of anti-government protests in the city that at times descended into violence.

Last year’s protests were triggered by a proposed extradition law that would have allowed suspects in Hong Kong to be sent to the mainland.

The proposal was eventually scrapped.

“These opposition forces and organizations bluntly challenge the authority of the central government and our government through interference in Hong Kong affairs by external forces, and even begged for sanctions against Hong Kong,” Lam said in her address.

The city's new national security law has been “remarkably effective in restoring stability” after months of political unrest, and that bringing normalcy back to the political system is an urgent priority, she said.

Lam also criticized foreign governments for interfering in Hong Kong’s affairs, saying it had jeopardized national security.

Beijing has in recent months taken a tougher stance on dissent in Hong Kong, sparking concerns over the possible end of the “one country, two systems” framework under which Hong Kong has been operating since it was handed over to China by Britain in 1997.

"I think the national security law tramples on the freedom of speech in Hong Kong," said forrmer legislator Leung Kwok Hung in front of Legislative Council building where Lam's address took place.