The Standing Committee of the Thirteenth National People’s Congress of China, in its twentieth session held on June 30, approved the law of the People’s Republic of China on the protection of national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. President Xi Jinping later signed a presidential decree promulgating the law, and thus it came into force.
The law criminalizes any form of separatism, insurgency, terrorism, or collusion with foreign forces against the state. The law is a strong step towards the rule of law, the restoration of order, and the restoration of prosperity in Hong Kong. The law is of symbolic importance for the national security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the new situation and for the upholding and improvement of China’s “one country, two systems”. It will effectively maintain national security, Hong. Kong’s long-term stability and prosperity will be ensured, and the “one country, two systems” policy will be properly implemented.
China’s foreign ministry spokesman while briefing on Hong Kong’s national security law said that its implementation was part of a “basic strategy” to restore order and maintain law and order in Hong Kong. The law will provide strong military guarantees for national sovereignty, security, development and the protection of Hong Kong’s lasting peace, prosperity, and stability, as well as for the further implementation of the One Country Two Systems. He further clarified that the law controls four types of crimes that pose a serious threat to national security, punishes very few people, and protects the majority. “With the implementation of this law, Hong Kong’s legal system will be more complete, social governance will be more stable, the business environment will be better and the majority of Hong Kong citizens and international investors will benefit from it. He said that this law will guarantee a bright future for Hong Kong.
Kerry Lam, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, welcomed the passage of the Hong Kong National Security Act by the Chinese National People’s Congress, saying that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region faces growing national security threats. Apparently, it was necessary for the central government to enact laws at the national level to protect Hong Kong’s national security. He said the law was an important step in implementing the “one country, two systems” policy and would bring Hong Kong society back to the path of stability as soon as possible.
Critics of the law say its implementation would affect the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong citizens in preventing, controlling, and punishing crimes against national security. In response to these critics, the director of the Legal Work Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress said that the principle of protection and respect for human rights has been given utmost importance in the law. All rights and freedoms are guaranteed, including the press and publications, assemblies, processions, and demonstrations.
Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. Remember that Hong Kong was endangered due to the lack of national security laws, social hatred, division, and violence were on the rise and personal freedom and people’s lives were insecure. The international reputation of Hong Kong was severely damaged. Hong Kong has suffered a lot socially, administratively, and economically since last year’s upheaval.
According to public opinion, with the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Act, Hong Kong has embarked on a historic journey back to the right path from anarchy to rule. With the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Act, Hong Kong Governance will be improved, foreign interference will be prevented and a more secure, stable, harmonious, and comfortable social environment will be created within Hong Kong.
