National Security Act

The National Security Law in Hong Kong was introduced by the Chinese government. It has had far-reaching effects on the population and guarantees China significantly more influence over the Special Administrative Region. To what extent human rights are being restricted in Hong Kong, what the law means for activists and how the China-Hong Kong conflict is developing as a result: All National Security Law news from the Table.Briefings editorial team. What is the Hong Kong National Security Law? The Hong Kong National Security Law (officially: Chinese National Security Law for Hong Kong) came into force on June 30, 2020. However, the Chinese Security Law was not passed in Hong Kong, but in Beijing by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China. It is based on Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law, which requires the Special Administrative Region to have a security law. The first article of the law clearly states the areas to which it applies: Hong Kong's security law is therefore primarily intended to safeguard national security. However, the Chinese government is given significantly more influence over the Hong Kong government, including through the establishment of a National Security Committee, which follows Beijing's instructions completely. This is happening at the expense of freedom of expression and freedom of the press for Hong Kongers. It should also be noted that the National Security Law also applies to people who do not live in Hong Kong (Article 38). China-Hong Kong conflict: Why is there a security law for Hong Kong? China bases the legality of Hong Kong's National Security Law on interpretations of the "one country, two systems" principle, the 1984 Sino-British Declaration and Hong Kong's Basic Law. China argues that a Hong Kong security law is necessary under the Basic Law. However, previous attempts to establish such a law have failed, and the Sino-British Declaration is a treaty on the return of control over Hong Kong's sovereignty to China after British colonization. It is vague and thus gives China a great deal of room for interpretation. According to Chinese interpretation, the principle of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong is aimed less at political or legal system differences and more at economic system differences. This is how China justifies the establishment of the National Security Law in Hong Kong and secures increasing influence over the Special Administrative Region. Both the Chinese government and the then Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam also emphasized the importance of the National Security Law for Hong Kong with regard to the protests for more independence and democracy. China is strictly opposed to Hong Kong's independence and Carrie Lam described the protests as a terrorist threat. In 2019, there had already been major protests against a planned amendment to Hong Kong's extradition law, which was intended to make extradition to China possible. In Hong Kong's conflict with China, the Hong Kong government is siding with Beijing, while opposition parties and activists in particular are calling for independence. What are the consequences of Hong Kong's Security Law for the population? The National Security Law has far-reaching consequences for Hong Kong. The Security Law threatens to undermine the rule of law in Hong Kong and severely restricts freedom of the press and freedom of expression. Due to the law's vague wording and broad scope, protesters run the risk of being found guilty and risk imprisonment. Many activists have already been arrested and face prison sentences under the security law. Defendants can also be extradited to China for criminal proceedings. The law has had an intimidating effect since it came into force, and the National Security Law also gives the Chinese government more control over Hong Kong's education system and media industry. In 2021, for example, the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily had to cease operations and executives were arrested. Censorship, arrests and restrictions on human rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Hong Kong can now be carried out via the Security Law. Overseas passport and work permit: What are the international reactions to the Hong Kong Security Law? The enactment of the National Security Law in Hong Kong was heavily criticized internationally. In response, some countries such as Ireland, Canada and Australia suspended their extradition laws to Hong Kong. Human rights organizations and activists condemned the introduction of the law, and the UK also enacted a regulation that allows people with a Hong Kong passport to obtain visas in the UK for up to five years. More than 120 thousand people applied for this British overseas passport between March 2021 and June 2022. Canada and Australia offer easier entry requirements and work permit programs for Hong Kong citizens, while the National Security Law in Hong Kong gives the Chinese government greater influence in the Special Administrative Region. The principle of "one country, two systems" no longer exists. Hong Kong activists are arrested and intimidated. All news on the developments of the National Security Law and the impact on civil society and human rights in Hong Kong from the Table.media editorial team.