[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] At 3 p.m. local time on the 28th, the draft of the Hong Kong National Security Law was passed by vote at the closing meeting of the National People's Congress (NPC) held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
On that day, the draft of the Hong Kong National Security Law was the fifth item out of nine agenda items to be voted on. A total of 2,885 NPC delegates participated in the vote, with 2,878 in favor, 1 against, and 6 abstentions.
After the vote on the draft of the Hong Kong National Security Law was processed, the Standing Committee was convened to proceed with the legislative process. The contents of the Hong Kong National Security Law will be implemented by inserting them into "Annex III of the Hong Kong Basic Law."
The Hong Kong National Security Law prohibits and punishes foreign forces' interference in Hong Kong's internal affairs, acts of secession, subversion of state power, terrorism activities, and establishes institutions within Hong Kong to enforce these provisions.
Despite the blatant attacks from the United States opposing China's enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law, China has emphasized that it is a law that must be handled for national security and has pushed it through.
Immediately after all nine agenda items were voted on and passed that day, Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, explained regarding the passed Hong Kong National Security Law, "It is a significant measure to uphold and improve the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework and aligns with the fundamental interests of the whole of China, including Hong Kong citizens," adding, "The NPC Standing Committee enacts the Hong Kong National Security Law and, in accordance with the law, safeguards the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests to ensure the stability of the 'One Country, Two Systems' endeavor."
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