China’s top official responsible for Hong Kong said in a speech weeks after the sweeping new national security law was enacted that Hong Kong should focus on national security to protect development.

Xia Baolong, director of the Beijing Municipal Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, said that to achieve prosperity in governance, we must firmly adhere to the bottom line of national security and maintain the high-quality development of Hong Kong. Remarks commemorating the annual National Security Day.

Hong Kong enacted a new national security law, also known as Article 23, in March, updating or introducing new laws that prohibit treason, sabotage, sedition, theft of state secrets and espionage, with penalties of up to life in prison.

Xia, however, sought to stress that the law posed no threat to investors at a time when the city faces Western criticism over a long-running crackdown on dissent and is struggling economically and financially.

“For the Hong Kong public and foreign investors, this law is the protector of their rights, freedoms, property and investments,” Xia said.

“Investors from all over the world can bravely come to Hong Kong to invest in new businesses without any worries,” he added. “Hong Kong remains the best place in the world to do business, make money and realize their dreams.”

However, some foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, have criticized the new law as a new tool for authorities to suppress dissent. The legislation complements another national security law China imposed directly on Hong Kong in 2020 in response to mass pro-democracy protests.

However, Beijing says the laws are necessary to maintain the city’s stability and prosperity.

The U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong said on Saturday that travelers to Hong Kong should be “even more cautious” as the State Department updates its policy travel warning In light of new national security legislation.

Canada has also been updated consult Recently, said people need to “exercise a high degree of caution in Hong Kong as there is a risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws.”

So far, the national security law has been used to imprison dozens of Hong Kong democratic leaders, including Joshua Wong, while liberal media and civil society groups have been shut down.

So far, more than 290 people have been arrested under the national security law imposed by Beijing. Of those, 174 people and five companies have been charged, including prominent Chinese critic and businessman Jimmy Lai, who is currently on trial and could face life in prison.