China’s legislature has reviewed and passed a draft of a national security bill for Hong Kong on Thursday, June 18, which critics say jeopardizes the territory’s semi-autonomous legal and political institutions.
The bill, reviewed by the National People’s Congress’ Standing Committee, addresses four categories of crimes in Hong Kong, which are succession, subversion of state power, local terrorist activities, and collaborating with foreign or external foreign forces to endanger national security.
No details on the definitions of those crimes or the applicable punishments were given. It also wasn’t clear when the law would be passed in its final version, although Beijing has repeatedly said it is determined to press ahead despite the criticism.
The congress moved to enact the legislation at the national level after Hong Kong’s own Legislative Council was unable to do so because of strong local opposition. Critics say it could severely limit free speech and opposition political activity.
Legal experts say Beijing’s justifications for the law are highly debatable.
China has been pushing to extend their security reach into Hong Kong following two years of pro-democracy protests in the city.
The US has said that the law if passed will revoke some of the special privileges it grants to Hong Kong after the former British colony was handed over to China in 1997. Britain has said it will offer passports and a path to citizenship to as many as 3 million Hong Kong residents. Beijing has denounced the moves as interference in its affairs.
On Wednesday, the Group of Seven leading economies called on China to reconsider its plans in a joint statement voicing “grave concern regarding China’s decision to impose a national security law on Hong Kong,” adding that it would breach Beijing’s international commitments as well as the territory’s constitution.
“It would jeopardize the system which has allowed Hong Kong to flourish and made it a success over many years,” they said. “Open debate, consultation with stakeholders, and respect for protected rights and freedoms in Hong Kong are essential.”
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the G-7 statement, accusing the group of “speaking and pointing fingers freely at Hong Kong affairs.”
“We strongly deplore and firmly oppose the joint statement issued by the G-7 foreign ministers,” the ministry spokesperson said at a daily briefing. “China’s determination in promoting the national security law in Hong Kong is unwavering.”
Earlier this month, Hong Kong’s legislature approved a contentious bill making it illegal to insult the Chinese national anthem after pro-democracy lawmakers boycotted the vote out of protest.
Senior opposition figures have also been arrested for taking part in demonstrations and questions have arisen over whether the national security legislation will be used to disqualify pro-democracy candidates in September’s elections for the Beijing-controlled Legislative Council.
Taiwan, meanwhile, announced Thursday that it will set up a specialized office to support Hong Kongers seeking to leave the territory now that China is moving forward with the national security law.
The office opening July 01 will offer assistance to Hong Kong professionals seeking to move to Taiwan, including for school, employment, investment, entrepreneurship and immigration, according to a statement by the Mainland Affairs Council in Taiwan, which handles the island’s relations with Beijing. (Source: Mainichi Japan)