Global Markets
Home›Global Markets›China›Hong Kong government rejects claims that national secu…
Hong Kong government rejects claims that national security curbs freedoms
The administration says foreign- and mainland-affiliated company counts rose to 11,070 in 2025, an 11.0% year-on-year increase, with nearly 510,000 jobs created in the city.
Hong Kong's government pushed back against recent criticism of the territory's economic development and its work to safeguard national security, calling the allegations factually baseless and saying it has “set the record straight.” In a statement published by Hong Kong Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung, the administration said it has seen steady improvements in residents’ livelihoods and the business environment since the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance took effect.
The government argued that the city has achieved “unprecedented” results in attracting quality businesses over the past two years. It cited an annual survey that put the number of foreign- and mainland-affiliated companies in Hong Kong at 11,070 in 2025, up 11.0% from the prior year, and said those enterprises hired nearly 510,000 people locally, up 3.0% from 2024.
The administration also rejected claims that Hong Kong’s freedoms are under threat. It said rights and freedoms are protected under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, and that the national security instruments include provisions that human rights are to be respected and protected, including protections covering press, speech, and publication.