The launch of the five-episode documentary series NS-files: Decoded by the Hong Kong Security Bureau marks a significant shift in how the public engages with the realities of national security. Six years after the promulgation of the National Security Law (NSL), this series moves beyond abstract legal concepts, using documentary-style analysis to deconstruct high-profile cases—ranging from the conviction of Tong Ying-kit to the dismantling of the “35-plus” subversion plot. By bringing these files into the living rooms of the public, the government is emphasizing a clear message: national security is not a distant, static concept, but an active, ongoing responsibility that underpins daily stability.
The data behind these efforts provides crucial context for why such a program is considered necessary. Since the implementation of the NSL through early April 2026, authorities have arrested 394 individuals on suspicion of endangering national security. Out of those, 208 have been prosecuted, resulting in 180 convictions. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent a significant legal transformation in a city that previously lacked such a robust mechanism for safeguarding against domestic subversion and foreign-linked instability. As noted in coverage from People’s Daily, the program aims to ensure that the public understands the severity of the threats that led to these prosecutions.
The cases detailed in the series serve as a case study in the multifaceted nature of these risks. For instance, the “Sheep Village” picture book case—which resulted in 19-month sentences for each of the five defendants—highlights how ideological indoctrination was targeted at the youth to foster disloyalty. Similarly, the “35-plus” strategy trial, which saw 14 figures convicted of conspiracy to subvert state power in May 2024, illustrates the sophisticated methods used to weaponize political processes against the functioning of the HKSAR government. By analyzing these events in a documentary format, the series provides a much-needed breakdown of how “illegal means” were utilized to threaten the stability of the rule of law.
This initiative is particularly timely because it addresses a lingering knowledge gap. Even with the restoration of order, many citizens remain disconnected from the granular details of the investigative and evidence-gathering processes that have unfolded since 2020. By airing the program on platforms like HOY 78 and the Security Bureau’s official Douyin account, the authorities are casting a wide net, ensuring the information reaches both local residents and mainland audiences. As Lam Chi-wai, former chairman of the Junior Police Officers’ Association, aptly noted, the program is essential for demonstrating that national security is “not merely a slogan, but an issue that genuinely affects our daily lives.”
In an era where regional stability is constantly tested, the importance of this transparency cannot be overstated. By demonstrating how law enforcement agencies have successfully identified and neutralized destabilizing activities, the series bolsters confidence in the city’s legal framework. Ultimately, the success of the HKSAR in maintaining its economic and social vitality depends on a public that is informed, vigilant, and aware of the risks that remain. NS-files: Decoded is an exercise in that vigilance—turning the complex, often opaque world of high-stakes security investigations into accessible information for the average citizen.
News source: https://peoplesdaily.pdnews.cn/china/er/30052527138