July 1st Marks 23rd Anniversary of Hong Kong Sovereignty Handover
Rally 'Not Permitted'... Over 4,000 Hong Kong Police Deployed
[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Sunmi Park] #. Mr. A, who attends university in Hong Kong, deleted all his posts opposing the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance (Extradition Law) from Facebook as soon as the law was passed. He also deleted a photo of an anti-China protest scene wearing a black mask that he had kept as a memento. Fearing the possibility of being taken to China and punished, he, who had introduced himself as a Hong Konger, replaced 'Hong Kong' with 'China (Hong Kong)'.
This is a possible behavioral change scenario for Hong Kong residents who have actively participated in various anti-government protests in response to the Hong Kong National Security Law, which is expected to take effect from July 1, the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong's sovereignty handover.
Although the draft of the Hong Kong National Security Law was not specifically disclosed on the morning of the 30th, rumors have spread within Hong Kong that the newly established National Security Office directly under the Chinese government will be headed by a top Hong Kong public security official, and that those who lead acts such as subversion of state power could face the maximum life sentence. There are also expectations that the law will be applied retroactively, leading to the arrest of prominent Hong Kong democracy figures like Joshua Wong and Jimmy Lai, who have shown signs of collusion with foreign forces.
The reason many Hong Kong residents are reluctant to participate in the July 1 protests is due to concerns that those who oppose the law through demonstrations after the passage of the Hong Kong National Security Law might become the 'first case' or a 'deterrent example' under the law. The Hong Kong government's crackdown on protesters is also expected to intensify.
Starting from the afternoon of that day, the Hong Kong police plan to deploy about 4,000 personnel in major downtown areas to prepare for protests against the Hong Kong National Security Law. Three water cannons will be stationed in areas such as Hong Kong Island and Kowloon West. The venue for the sovereignty handover ceremony on July 1 has been completely sealed off by blocking vehicle traffic and installing large barricades. The Liberation Army Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, recently released a video on its official online account showing snipers from the Chinese troops stationed in Hong Kong conducting live ammunition training in a certain area of Hong Kong, creating a pressure atmosphere.
Although China applies the One Country, Two Systems policy to Hong Kong, the passage of the Hong Kong National Security Law, which could significantly shake Hong Kong's autonomy on the 23rd anniversary of the sovereignty handover, is seen as an attempt to effectively implement 'One Country, One System.' The United States' tough response, including stripping Hong Kong of its special status, aims not only to pressure China for pushing through the law but also reflects the judgment that there is no need to distinguish between Hong Kong and mainland China in tariffs, investment, trade, visa issuance, and other areas once Hong Kong falls under China's sphere of influence.
If the U.S. proceeds with direct regulations following the revocation of Hong Kong's special status, foreign companies operating in Hong Kong may withdraw, and large-scale capital outflows could occur. Exports from Hong Kong to the U.S. might be subject to retaliatory tariffs of up to 25%, similar to those imposed on mainland China.
China views the U.S. opposition to the Hong Kong National Security Law as interference in internal affairs and maintains that the law sufficiently reflects the opinions of various sectors in Hong Kong and aligns with the actual situation in Hong Kong.
China's state-run Global Times published an editorial titled "The Hong Kong National Security Law Will Be a New Start for Hong Kong," stating, "The Hong Kong National Security Law will not change the way Hong Kong people live nor deprive any legal rights, including freedom of the press. However, inciting Hong Kong's independence and encouraging foreign interference will be considered treason. Hong Kong's development is led by China. Hong Kong citizens must clearly understand that their future will not be decided by the United States."
The editorial also emphasized the need for strong enforcement after the law's passage. The newspaper stated, "After the passage of the Hong Kong National Security Law, China must support law enforcement, punish those who endanger national security, and prepare to confront the United States, which is interfering in China's internal affairs under the pretext of the Hong Kong issue. A defensive line to protect national security must be established."
Meanwhile, sources told the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the same day that "all Hong Kong delegates belonging to the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference were notified to attend a central government meeting at 3 p.m. that day," expecting a briefing on the Hong Kong National Security Law. Another source said, "The state-run Xinhua News Agency will announce all the detailed contents related to the Hong Kong National Security Law that afternoon," adding, "This will be the first time the law's contents are fully disclosed to the public."
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