Five University Chiefs Back National Security Law

The heads of five universities in Hong Kong issued a joint statement on Monday expressing their support for Beijing's move to impose national security legislation on the SAR, while also stressing that they cherish the city's freedoms.

The statement was issued by the presidents of Hong Kong University, Chinese University, Lingnan University, Polytechnic University and Education University.

The heads of the city's other publicly funded universities, the University of Science and Technology, Baptist University and City University, did not sign.

The statement said the university chiefs understand the need to enact national security laws, and that a safe and stable social environment, a sound legal system, the rule of law and good public order are extremely important to Hong Kong's long-term development.

"The prosperity and stability of the country and Hong Kong are closely related to the future of young people," it said.

The five presidents also said they cherish Hong Kong's freedom of speech, press publication and assembly, and that they will always adhere to academic freedom and institutional autonomy.