Hong Kong Introduces Second National Security Law, Strengthening Ties with Mainland China

Hong Kong’s government revealed a set of new national security laws on Friday, which have raised concerns from critics and foreign governments. These laws could potentially escalate the current crackdown in the city and damage its reputation as a global business center.

The 212-page draft bill was presented to the city’s legislature, which currently lacks opposition. This bill introduces several new national security offenses such as treason, espionage, external interference, and disclosure of state secrets.

The involvement of "external forces" – referring to foreign governments and organizations – is considered an aggravating factor for the most serious offenses, which can result in life imprisonment.

Leaders in China and Hong Kong justify the need for these laws as part of their efforts to "restore stability" after the large and sometimes violent democracy protests in 2019. They claim that their legislation is comparable to national security laws in other countries.

Critics argue that China's Communist Party's definition of national security offenses is overly broad, encompassing not only genuine threats but also political criticism, dissent, and even business activities that would not be considered crimes in other countries.

They highlight how national security laws are applied in mainland China and Hong Kong, where a national security law imposed by Beijing has drastically changed the once vocal city since 2020. This law has effectively silenced most dissent, leading to the imprisonment of numerous political opponents. As a result, many civil society groups have disbanded, and outspoken media outlets have been forced to close down.

The Hong Kong government has introduced a new draft law, referred to as Article 23, to address the shortcomings of the Beijing-imposed version implemented in 2020.

Back in 2003, there was an unsuccessful attempt to pass Article 23 laws which led to massive protests and a change of decision by the government.

However, this time around, the atmosphere in Hong Kong is very different. Many of the city's prominent pro-democracy figures are either in jail, convicted, or facing charges under the 2020 national security law.

Many people have left the city, and the legislative council has removed pro-democracy politicians, now resembling the bodies approved by the Chinese Communist Party.

The public consultations for the new laws only lasted 28 days this time, which is much shorter than the 2003 attempt when residents protested for months.

The government reported that the majority of feedback received during the consultation period supported the new law, with 98% in favor and only 0.7% expressing opposition. Some of the opposing feedback came from overseas anti-China organizations or abscondees.

Hong Kong's legislature held special sessions on Friday for the first and second reading of the proposed bill, completing the process within three hours of it being tabled.

Hong Kong's leader John Lee, a former police officer and security chief, urged lawmakers to quickly pass the law. In a letter to the legislature on Thursday, he emphasized that passing the law sooner would help safeguard national security sooner.

Authorities have not yet revealed the schedule for a third reading.

In a recent statement, the United States cautioned that Article 23 could further restrict the rights and freedoms of individuals in Hong Kong, following the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020.

The US Department of State expressed concern about the "state secrets" and "external interference" definitions being too broad and vague. They are worried that these definitions could be used to suppress opposing views. Additionally, there are provisions that could have effects beyond the country's borders.

Editor's P/S:

The proposed national security laws in Hong Kong have sparked deep concerns, raising questions about the city's future as a global business center and a bastion of civil liberties. The legislation, which grants the government sweeping powers to suppress dissent and external interference, echoes the repressive measures implemented in mainland China, where the definition of national security has been weaponized to silence political opposition.

The swift passage of the bill, with minimal public consultation and a legislature devoid of pro-democracy voices, underscores the erosion of democratic institutions in Hong Kong. The government's justification for the laws as necessary for "restoring stability" rings hollow, as it has been used to justify the suppression of peaceful protests and the imprisonment of political dissidents. The international community must remain vigilant and condemn these laws, which threaten the freedoms and autonomy that have long been the hallmark of Hong Kong. questionable, given the disproportionate impact they have had on political dissent and civil society. The experience of mainland China, where a national security law imposed by Beijing has led to widespread suppression of dissent, imprisonment of political opponents, and the closure of outspoken media outlets, serves as a chilling reminder of the potential consequences of these laws in Hong Kong.