The spokesman for China's top legislature on Saturday said Hong Kong is “back on the right track” since the national security law took effect in 2020, saying it marks an important milestone for the city’s development.

Wang Chao made the remarks at a media briefing in Beijing on Saturday, a day before the annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) opens.

“The formulation and enactment of the national security law is an important milestone in the practice of One Country, Two Systems. Since the national security law took effect, the institutions and mechanisms for safeguarding national security have further improved,” he said.

“National security is effectively protected. Social order resumed rapidly. The rule of law is ensured. Business environment keeps improving. Development has been brought back to normal.”

He also expressed confidence that the elected local NPC delegates will serve the interests of the country.

Meanwhile, Wang also said Beijing will not tolerate any acts that undermine the nation’s sovereignty, after a reporter asked whether the central government will take a more aggressive approach when it comes to foreign policy.

“Some countries have kept abusing the extraterritorial application of their domestic laws, in violation of international law, with the aim of taking down foreign entities and individuals and serving their own interests,” he said.

“China stands firmly against such practices. It has introduced a number of laws and regulations to counter the containment, suppression, and interference in its internal affairs.”

The NPC’s annual plenary session concludes on March 13.