They made the remarks after attending a high-level seminar simultaneously held in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Macau to mark the first anniversary of the implementation of the NSL for Hong Kong, which was on June 30.

Xia Baolong, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the State Council, the top central government body overseeing Hong Kong and Macau affairs, made a speech at the seminar.

Macau's Secretary for Security Wong Sio-chak said that the first anniversary of the implementation of the NSL for Hong Kong is of far-reaching significance, and can serve as a reference for Macau.

Macau's NSL was passed by its Legislative Assembly (AL) in February 2009, as required by Article 23 of the city's Basic Law. To date, no one has been arrested under the legislation.

Wong said that in recent years, the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) government has carried out a series of legislative work to strengthen cybersecurity and immigration controls.

Lok Wai Kin, vice-chairman of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies and a law professor at the University of Macau, said that Macau should learn from Hong Kong's experience in safeguarding national security, and further strengthen the responsibility of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security in the MSAR.

Gary Chao, president of the Macau New Chinese Youth Association, said the implementation of the NSL for Hong Kong has effectively restored Hong Kong's stability, which has benefited the development of youngsters in the whole region.

– China Daily, MPD