Hong Kong citizens opposing the enactment of China's National Security Law are filling the busy Causeway Bay on the 24th to participate in the protest. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, reportedly stated on the 25th that the "Hong Kong National Security Law" (Hong Kong Security Law) will be "enacted without any setbacks."
Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, made this remark during the NPC Standing Committee's work report regarding the enactment of the Hong Kong Security Law. The law prohibits and punishes foreign interference in Hong Kong's internal affairs, acts of secession, subversion of state power, terrorism, and establishes institutions within Hong Kong to enforce these provisions.
Li said, "It is a significant measure to improve the 'One Country, Two Systems' system and framework and to safeguard the order of the Special Administrative Region as stipulated by the Constitution and the Basic Law," adding, "It aligns with the fundamental interests of the entire Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots."
He further stated, "I believe that through the joint efforts of the NPC deputies, this important legislative task can be smoothly completed," and claimed, "This is to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, ensure Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, and guarantee the rule of law."
China plans to bypass the Hong Kong Legislative Council and enact the Hong Kong Security Law through the NPC Standing Committee, the highest legislative body, and insert it into the annex of the Hong Kong Basic Law.
Accordingly, Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests are expected to intensify. The Hong Kong opposition and the pan-democratic camp strongly oppose the enactment of the Hong Kong Security Law, fearing persecution such as the permanent stationing of Chinese intelligence agencies in Hong Kong and the arrest of anti-China figures.
Joshua Wong, Secretary of the Demosist? Party, which is leading the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests, wrote in an op-ed for the American daily The Washington Post (WP) on the same day, "China has hammered the last nail in the coffin of Hong Kong's autonomy," and protested, "On paper, the law aims to prohibit acts of secession, subversion of the central government, terrorist activities, and foreign interference in Hong Kong's internal affairs, but it deals a fatal blow to Hong Kong's already fragile autonomy and citizens' freedoms."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
