The State Council Information Office on Monday released a white paper on the "persistent" fight to safeguard national security in Hong Kong, saying it wants to clear up any confusion and misunderstandings surrounding the issue.

The 17-page document lays out the central government's fundamental responsibility for national security matters concerning the SAR, while highlighting Hong Kong's achievements.

It said national security is a top priority for the country, as it is the foundation of social stability and safeguards people’s wellbeing.

The paper says while both central and local authorities have always aimed to develop a stable and prosperous Hong Kong, their efforts have been obstructed by both internal and external forces.

"Our effort has been obstructed and undermined by anti-China agitators in Hong Kong and hostile external forces, who have employed all possible means in their attempt to turn Hong Kong into an independent or semi-independent political entity, severely challenging the One Country, Two Systems principle.

"The struggle to safeguard national security in Hong Kong is persistent. The central government bears the fundamental responsibility for affairs concerning national security in the HKSAR, while the HKSAR shoulders the constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security."

The paper credited the SAR government's efforts towards this end, saying its sound governance has propelled the city into a new stage, "advancing towards prosperity and showing signs of an even brighter future."

It says Hong Kong's efforts to safeguard national security have been "extraordinary" – noting the passage of the homegrown national security law, authorities' crackdown on national security crimes, and their efforts to beef up national security education.

These hard-won achievements, it said, are widely recognised and must be cherished.

"A safe Hong Kong that is free, developed, open, and vibrant aligns fully with the One Country, Two Systems policy, serves China’s fundamental interests, benefits the residents of Hong Kong, and meets the interests of external investors", it said.

The paper said the central government "firmly supports" the SAR in implementing the One Country, Two Systems policy, and carrying out its constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security.

"Hong Kong, enjoying high-standard security, is bound to overcome all risks and challenges on the journey forward, and remain as steady as a rock in a turbulent world", the paper concluded.