Hong Kong government officials announced on Tuesday that they plan to implement a security law. This law is aimed at curbing foreign influence and expanding the definition of state secrets theft and treason offenses, holding severe consequences for those found guilty. This proposal echoes mainland Chinese treatment of similar offenses. John Lee, the city’s leader, stated that the law aims to protect Hong Kong from foreign attacks and that it is necessary due to continued internal unrest and threats posed to national security. The proposed laws cover the offenses of treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets, sabotage, and external interference.
This law, known as Article 23, has been a controversial topic for many years. Since a failed attempt to enact it in 2003, subsequent leaders have avoided reviving it due to fears of backlash. However, in 2020, the central Chinese government imposed its own national security law on Hong Kong, imposing severe restrictions on free expression and media, limiting opposition parties, and reshaping elections.
Critics fear that the new security law will lead to further decimation of human rights and the restriction of freedom of expression in Hong Kong. The proposed law would significantly limit freedoms, including the potential criminalization of collaboration with external forces and allowing authorities broader power to classify dissent as a national security threat. The law would also significantly expand the scope of state secrets to potentially include major policy decisions and economic and social development. One visiting researcher from the University of Tokyo, Patrick Poon, describes the law’s purpose as total control over Hong Kong’s activities and freedom of expression.
On the other hand, officials have claimed that they are not infringing on civil liberties and that other countries, including the United States, have national security laws. They also put forth the argument that the proposed law would bring security and stability to Hong Kong, ultimately benefitting the people. The government plans to set up a team to push back against criticisms of the law and will also reach out to foreign consulates and chambers of commerce to explain the benefits of the law.
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